UNOPS boosts Caribbean presence; opens office in Sint Maarten

UNOPS, a self-financing organisation which provides infrastructure, procurement and project management services to help build the future, will establish an office in Sint Maarten’s capital of Philipsburg to lead operations in the country.

This development will take place under a newly signed host country agreement between the Government of Sint Maarten and UNOPS, which outlines a plan for collaboration to support sustainable development in the Caribbean.

The agreement was signed 3 April, 2023, by Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs of Sint Maarten, Silveria E. Jacobs, and UNOPS Deputy Chief Financial Officer Lilian Nyang’aya (on behalf of UNOPS Acting Executive Director). Sint Maarten’s Minister of Justice Anna E. Richardson and Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands to Denmark Arne Brandsma were also in attendance.

“The opening of the UNOPS office reflects the government of Sint Maarten’s commitment to expanding foreign relations, building capacity, and strengthening international partnerships.” - Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Silveria E. Jacobs.

Through the partnership, UNOPS will support a USD $4 million project funded by the government of the Netherlands to enhance Sint Maarten's rule of law facilities, which have been impacted by climate change. This will include providing design and procurement support for the new Point Blanche Prison – ensuring human rights as well as social, gender, climate and environmental considerations are fully integrated.

“The agreement will facilitate the presence of UNOPS on Sint Maarten and the realisation of the prison project that is currently being led by the Department of Judicial Affairs and the Cabinet of the Minister of Justice,” said Prime Minister Jacobs.

On a small island in the Caribbean, Sint Maarten is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and faces a range of unique development and environmental challenges. Through the agreement, UNOPS aims to further its support for Small Island Developing States* across the Caribbean and beyond, in line with The SAMOA Pathway. Work will focus on building resilient and inclusive infrastructure, supporting good governance, and promoting long-term sustainable development.

"UNOPS stands ready to support Sint Maarten in its efforts to develop sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly urgent in the light of the grave challenges posed by the climate crisis. This agreement is a key positive step in that regard," said UNOPS Deputy Chief Financial Officer Lilian Nyang’aya.

*Sint Maarten is included under Non-UN Members/Associate Members of the Regional Commissions of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).