Philipsburg, Sint Maarten – The National Employment Services Center (NESC), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), has intensified preparations for the Third National Job Fair, scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. In advance of the event, participating businesses and job seekers will also be invited to an exclusive Business Networking Event on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA).
As part of the lead-up to the event, NESC Business Services Officers will be conducting targeted outreach and visits to businesses across various sectors to promote participation in the National Job Fair and assist employers in completing and finalizing all aspects of the registration process. Through direct engagement, the NESC aims to ensure that businesses are fully supported and able to maximize the opportunities presented by the event.
As Sint Maarten continues to experience positive economic growth and expanding opportunities across key industries, investing in the local labor force remains essential to sustaining that momentum. While the country’s economic outlook remains encouraging, youth unemployment continues to present a significant challenge, with many young adults facing difficulties entering the labor market and gaining valuable work experience.
Against this backdrop, the third National Job Fair serves as more than a recruitment event. It represents a national investment in people, partnerships, and prosperity. By bringing together employers, job seekers, educational institutions, and key stakeholders, the initiative seeks to strengthen workforce participation, enhance employability, and ensure that the benefits of economic growth are shared more broadly throughout the community.
The NESC is honored to have the support of the Honorable Prime Minister of Sint Maarten/ Deputy Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Dr. Luc Mercelina, who recently signed the participation agreement for the upcoming event in the presence of the Business Services team. His endorsement underscores the national importance of this initiative and reflects Government’s continued commitment to strengthening employment opportunities and promoting inclusive economic growth.
Acting Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) and Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina stated, "A strong economy must create opportunities for everyone. As our country continues to grow, we must ensure that our people—especially our young people—are equipped to participate, contribute, and succeed. The Third National Job Fair reflects the Government's commitment to connecting talent with opportunity, strengthening partnerships with the private sector, and building a workforce that is resilient, competitive, and prepared for the future. Every job created strengthens a family, every opportunity transforms a life, and every partnership we build today contributes to a stronger Sint Maarten tomorrow. I encourage every employer to invest in local talent and every job seeker to embrace this opportunity with confidence, determination, and hope."
Building on the success of previous editions, the upcoming National Job Fair will once again provide a platform for employers to connect with local talent while fostering stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors. In addition to recruitment opportunities and business networking, the 2026 edition will showcase a significant step forward in the modernization of employment services.
The NESC will officially unveil the first ever National Job Portal, an innovative digital platform designed to enhance connections between employers and job seekers. The portal will provide businesses with a modern tool to advertise vacancies and access local talent, while offering job seekers greater access to employment opportunities and career resources. The introduction of the platform reflects the NESC’s continued commitment to innovation and to building a labor market that is responsive to the evolving needs of a growing economy.
The National Job Fair also builds upon the strong foundation established through the successful editions held in 2023 and 2024. The NESC recognizes the outstanding efforts and dedication of its Business Services Officers, Mr. Maquidu Frevry and Mr. Lynroy Rey, whose continued engagement with the business community and commitment to fostering public-private partnerships have been instrumental in the growth and success of the National Job Fair. Their efforts have helped establish the event as one of Sint Maarten’s premier workforce development initiatives and have strengthened the relationship between employers and the National Employment Services Center.
In keeping with the NESC’s vision for modern and accessible employment services, the development and implementation of the National Job Portal have been supported by the work and technical contributions of Mr. Edy Esnat, whose efforts have assisted in bringing this important initiative to fruition as part of the NESC’s broader modernization agenda.
According to the NESC, these initiatives underscore the importance of investing not only in the nation’s workforce, but also in the dedicated public servants who work tirelessly behind the scenes to connect talent with opportunity and support the sustainable growth of Sint Maarten’s economy.
The NESC encourages businesses, organizations, and industry leaders to view their participation not only as an opportunity to recruit qualified candidates, but also as a strategic investment in the future of Sint Maarten. By creating employment opportunities, internships, apprenticeships, and career pathways for local talent, businesses play a vital role in reducing unemployment, empowering youth, and ensuring that the country’s economic growth translates into shared prosperity for all.
Employers interested in participating are encouraged to register early and take advantage of the support being provided by the NESC Business Services Officers. Through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to developing local talent, Sint Maarten can continue building a more inclusive, competitive, and future-ready workforce.
For more information regarding participation in the Third National Job Fair 2026, businesses are encouraged to contact the National Employment Services Center (NESC) at +17215236390 or business.nesc@sintmaartengov.org.