2022
Birthplace & Residence
Birthplace: Aruba
Resided In: Sint Maarten
Died: Tuesday, May 24, 2022
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Reynold Amando Groeneveldt, who died on May 24, 2022, at the St. Maarten Medical Center after a sudden heart attack. Born in Aruba to St. Maarten parents and raised on the island, Mr. Groeneveldt devoted his life to education, law, and public service. He began his career as a teacher at Oranje School in Philipsburg before becoming Director of the Insular Department of Education. In 1990, he earned his law degree from the University of the Netherlands Antilles and went on to practice law throughout St. Maarten, Saba, and St. Eustatius, later establishing his own firm in 2001.
A respected legal mind, he served on many committees focused on governance and constitutional change. During St. Maarten’s historic transition to country status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands on October 10, 2010, he served as Acting Lieutenant Governor and was appointed the first Acting Governor by Royal Decree. Reappointed in 2016, he regularly fulfilled the role of governor with integrity, wisdom, and dedication. Governor Eugene Holiday remembered him as a “champion of the constitution.”
In addition to his public service, Mr. Groeneveldt was a contributor, writer, and legal advisor for StMaartenNews.com from its inception, offering thoughtful analysis and guidance that helped shape the platform’s reporting and perspective (read more here).
He is survived by his beloved wife Glenda Patricia Groeneveldt-Smith, their daughter Angela Fleming-Groeneveldt, and a community that deeply mourns his loss. His humility, generosity, and dedication to mentoring others left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
His passing leaves a void in the life of St. Maarten, but his legacy of service, knowledge, and love for his country will continue to inspire. May he rest in peace.
