Rachnilda J.A. Arduin, aka Nilda Arduin, was born and raised in Curaçao.
In 1974 she graduated from the Pedagogical Institute in Curaçao as a fully qualified teacher; continued her education while teaching, and subsequently obtained teaching Degrees for the Dutch language and Biology.
From 1983–1988 she studied Law at both the University of the Netherlands Antilles (UNA) and the "Vrije Universiteit" in Amsterdam, obtaining her Master's Degree from the UNA in 1988, as well as a certificate in American Law from the University of Florida. In 1993 Dr. Arduin became the first Antillean female, as well as the first graduate of the UNA to obtain a Doctor of Law Degree, which title she defended at the "Vrije Universiteit" in Amsterdam with a thesis on "International Timesharing".
Her work as a scholar, expertise on real estate and international Timesharing provided her opportunities to not only serve the Antillean community, but also governments and clients globally. She practiced law from 1988 until 2010 when she became the first Ombudsman of Sint Maarten.
Among her various publications: "Fifty Years Statuut: Where do we go from here" (2005); "The Constitution of Sint Maarten Made Simple" (2010).
Some functions held by Dr. Arduin: Director of the Latin American and Caribbean Region on the Board of the International Ombudsman Institute (November 2012–present); first female Dean of the Bar Association on Sint Maarten (1998–2000).
As the first National Ombudsman of Sint Maarten she holds this position since October 10, 2010 when Sint Maarten acquired an autonomous status within the Kingdom of The Netherlands, and is charged by the Constitution with investigating conduct of Government and Government entities with public authority.