PHILIPSBURG:--- The Parliament of St. Maarten has unanimously approved the ratification of its admission as an associate member of ParlAmericas, a major inter-parliamentary organization that promotes democratic governance, regional cooperation, and legislative collaboration throughout the Americas and the Caribbean.
The decision was taken during a public meeting of Parliament, where members discussed the significance of the invitation extended by ParlAmericas and the opportunities it presents for St. Maarten’s legislative body.
The invitation follows a resolution adopted during the 74th Regular Meeting of the ParlAmericas Council held in Ottawa, Canada, on May 19. The Council unanimously approved the creation of a new associate membership category for self-governing territories that possess independent legislative institutions but are not sovereign states. St. Maarten and Curaçao were the first territories invited to join under the new category.
Presenting the proposal, parliamentary officials highlighted that ParlAmericas serves as a platform for parliaments across North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean to exchange ideas, strengthen democratic institutions, and collaborate on regional challenges. The organization promotes best legislative practices, human rights, transparency, and sustainable development.
The move represents the culmination of several years of engagement between St. Martin and ParlAmericas. Parliament first identified the organization as a valuable regional platform following participation in a multi-stakeholder dialogue on gender equality and sustainable development in Saint Lucia in 2023. Since then, Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff have attended numerous conferences, workshops, and assemblies organized by the organization.
During the debate, Members of Parliament emphasized the practical benefits of participation in ParlAmericas. MP Omar Ottley Roseburg noted that attendance at conferences has enabled St. Maarten representatives to establish valuable relationships with legislators from across the region while bringing home policy ideas relevant to local issues. He cited discussions on paternity leave, caregiving policies, gender-based violence, and digital violence as examples of topics that have informed discussions in St. Maarten.
MP Sarah Wescot-Williams De Weever also expressed strong support for the membership, stressing the importance of building direct relationships with parliamentary leaders throughout the Caribbean. She argued that ParlAmericas offers unique opportunities for networking and collaboration with neighboring countries, allowing St. Maarten to benefit from shared experiences and regional expertise on matters ranging from healthcare to governance.
Parliamentarians further noted that ParlAmericas operates through thematic networks focused on issues such as open government, gender equality, climate change, and security. These networks encourage active participation and facilitate the exchange of solutions to common challenges facing countries and territories in the region.
As an associate member, St. Maarten will have the right to participate fully in ParlAmericas’ programmatic activities, meetings, networks, and declarations. While associate members do not possess voting rights in the organization’s governing bodies and are not eligible to hold executive positions, they are entitled to contribute to discussions and outcomes.
The annual membership fee for associate members has been set at US$2,800, reflecting the lowest tier within the organization’s fee structure.
Following the unanimous approval, Parliament announced that ParlAmericas will be formally informed of St. Martin’s acceptance of the invitation. The Government of St. Maarten will also be notified of the decision, with parliamentarians encouraging closer engagement with regional and international organizations to maximize opportunities for the country.
The approval marks another step in St. Maarten’s efforts to strengthen its regional presence and deepen parliamentary cooperation throughout the Caribbean and the wider Americas.