Consulate to be established to
represent Haitian community
PHILIPSBURG--With the Haitian community one of the largest on the island, negotiations to have it properly represented through a Haitian Consulate are ongoing.
A delegation from Haiti is visiting the island and meeting with Haitian nationals to introduce Haitian Consul Designate Jean Pierre Celestin selected to represent them in St. Maarten.
Although there are Haitian Consulates in French Saint Martin and Curaçao, Haitians residing in Dutch St. Maarten believe they are not receiving adequate representation.
Therefore, talks will be held between the local government and the Haitian delegation on its next visit in three weeks to establish Consul Designate Jean Pierre Celestin on the island to assist the Haitian nationals with issues surrounding their legal documents, conduct on the island and contributions to the island.
On its last visit about a month ago, the delegation came to the island to introduce the proposal to the Haitians, who positively accepted Celestin as their representative on this recent visit. Therefore, Celestin is scheduled to relocate to the island once all guidelines are in place.
Also on the agenda for the delegation’s visit was a trip to St. Eustatius to participate in the St. Eustatius Day activities. However, due to flight complications, it was unable to make this trip and apologised to the government of St. Eustatius for its absence.
The delegation extended special thanks to BS Promotion and Production NV for financially supporting its visit to the island.
