PHILIPSBURG:--- Fifteen years after Sint Maarten proudly became a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the island nation continues to wrestle with a complex question: Has autonomy truly been achieved — or has the country been taken back to a form of financial and political dependence reminiscent of colonial days?

The milestone date of October 10, 2010 (10/10/10) marked a historic moment. Sint Maarten gained self-government after decades as part of the Netherlands Antilles. The new status promised empowerment — a national parliament, a council of ministers, and control over domestic affairs from education and health to tourism and taxation.

But while the flag changed and a constitution was adopted, many residents argue that real power remains in Dutch hands.

Higher Supervision and the Strings of “Autonomy”

As part of the 2010 restructuring, the Netherlands granted Sint Maarten and Curaçao significant debt relief, but attached strict conditions through the Rijkswet financieel toezicht (Rft) — the Kingdom Act on Financial Supervision.

The Rft created the College financieel toezicht (Cft), a supervisory board that oversees both countries’ public finances. The Cft reviews budgets, borrowing, and expenditures, and can demand corrections or delays in government spending if it deems the fiscal framework unsound.

Although originally intended as a temporary measure, financial supervision has now been extended until at least 2027. The extension underscores the Kingdom’s continued belief that Sint Maarten has not yet demonstrated the fiscal discipline required for full self-management.

Critics, however, view the arrangement as a leash disguised as a lifeline.

“It’s not real freedom if every budget still needs Dutch approval,” one local commentator wrote recently on social media, echoing a sentiment widely shared among citizens.

Crisis, Aid, and Conditionality

Economic shocks have deepened this dependence.
The destruction wrought by Hurricane Irma in 2017 and the collapse of tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic forced Sint Maarten to seek emergency financial support from the Netherlands.

Billions of guilders in aid and loans flowed to the island — but with strict conditions. The Netherlands required administrative reforms, spending oversight, and structural governance changes before releasing funds. Dutch representatives were installed to monitor progress, effectively making local autonomy conditional on compliance.

While these measures aimed to protect public money, they reinforced the perception that Sint Maarten’s self-government exists only “on paper.”

Political Instability and Governance Struggles

Adding to the challenge is chronic political instability. Since 2010, Sint Maarten has seen more than a dozen governments, numerous snap elections, and frequent cases of “ship-jumping,” where Members of Parliament switch allegiances mid-term.

This instability has slowed reforms, strained budgets, and often triggered warnings from the Cft. In 2025, the financial supervisor again questioned the viability of Sint Maarten’s draft budget, citing incomplete documentation and unsustainable spending patterns.

Observers note that weak governance gives the Kingdom justification to keep the supervision in place — a cycle that perpetuates the very dependence Sint Maarten wants to escape.

“Back to Slavery” Sentiment: A Symbol of Frustration

Across social media and local discussions, some Sint Maarteners have used strong language to describe their frustration, saying the island has been “taken back to the days of slavery.”

This comparison, though symbolic, reflects deep-seated post-colonial frustration. Residents argue that Dutch-imposed conditions and oversight mimic old colonial hierarchies, where decisions are made abroad and locals must “ask permission” to act.

“The chains may look different,” one community activist posted on Facebook, “but the control feels the same.”

Historians note that such expressions are part of a wider Caribbean narrative where economic dependency and conditional aid replace direct colonial rule — a system often referred to as “neo-colonialism.”

Dutch Justification: Oversight as Obligation

Dutch officials maintain that financial supervision is a legal duty, not a political power play.
Under Article 43(2) of the Kingdom Charter, the Netherlands has the right — and responsibility — to safeguard “good governance” within the Kingdom.

They argue that the supervision ensures stability, prevents corruption, and protects both local citizens and Dutch taxpayers.

“Autonomy requires responsibility,” Dutch authorities often say — emphasizing that oversight will end only when Sint Maarten demonstrates lasting fiscal stability.

The Path Forward: Balancing Freedom and Accountability

Experts agree that Sint Maarten’s challenge lies not only in resisting external control, but also in strengthening internal capacity.

To achieve true autonomy, analysts and reform advocates suggest:

• Building robust local institutions in budgeting, auditing, and procurement.
• Diversifying the economy beyond tourism to reduce vulnerability.
• Reforming parliamentary rules to ensure political stability and continuity.
• Engaging the Kingdom in redefining supervision into partnership-based cooperation rather than top-down control.

Until such steps are realized, the Kingdom’s oversight will likely remain — and with it, the debate over whether Sint Maarten’s autonomy is real or rhetorical.

A Promise Yet Unfulfilled

Fifteen years after 10/10/10, Sint Maarten’s journey toward self-governance remains unfinished.
The country has its own constitution, parliament, and ministers — but its financial destiny still passes through the approval channels of The Hague.

For many, this contradiction defines the island’s modern identity: autonomous in name, constrained in practice.

“Autonomy wasn’t supposed to mean supervision,” a young Sint Maartener said during a recent community forum. “We didn’t ask for freedom that comes with conditions — we asked for the right to make our own choices, and our own mistakes.”

Until that balance is found, Sint Maarten’s autonomy will remain a promise — powerful in symbolism, but still waiting to be fully lived.

Advisory examines proposal to restore automatic cost-of-living adjustments for retirees.

WILLEMSTAD;--- Today, the Social and Economic Council (SER) issued an advisory opinion on a proposal from the MAN-PIN lawmakers in Parliament that would automatically adjust public pensions and survivor benefits to inflation each year, restoring a safeguard that has been absent for more than a decade.

The draft law, submitted by legislators Giselle McWilliam and Susanne Camelia-Römer, would tie payments under the General Old-Age Insurance (AOV) and the General Widows’ and Orphans’ Insurance (AWW) to the consumer price index (CPI) as measured each August. Beginning January 1 of each year, benefits would rise in step with inflation; if prices were stable or declined, payments would remain unchanged.

The proposal would mark a return to Curaçao’s pre-2013 system, replacing a growth-based formula that proved impossible to implement because of missing economic data. It keeps both the retirement age and contribution rates unchanged but seeks to preserve retirees’ purchasing power amid higher living costs.

In its advisory, the Council said it evaluated the plan within a wider legal, policy, and socioeconomic framework, considering international standards and the reform objectives of the government’s Country Package — a program aimed at strengthening Curaçao’s public finances and social safety net.

15 Years of Nationhood – A Tribute to the Youth Who Shaped Our Journey

PHILIPSBURG:--- This year marks 15 years since St. Maarten became a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, a milestone that continues to resonate as both a triumph of vision and a testament to the collective effort of a determined people.

As we celebrate this historic anniversary, we pause to recognize the Constitutional Youth Club (CYC) and the Constitutional Culture Club (CCC), two pioneering youth movements that helped shape the national consciousness during the crucial years leading up to 10-10-10.

We owe immense gratitude to their visionary leader, Ms. Dorothy Lake, and to the dedicated mentors who stood beside her: Ms. Irene Hodge, Ms. Sharon Freiburg, Ms. Judy Fitzpatrick, Ms. Angelique Brill, Mr. Rolando Tobias, Catherine Connor and so many more! Their belief in empowering youth through civic education created a generation that not only witnessed history but helped make it.

The Birth of a Movement: Youth in the Heart of Constitutional Change

Between 2007 and 2010, St. Maarten stood on the threshold of transformation. The path to autonomy demanded not only political negotiation but also public understanding and youth participation.

Recognizing this, Dorothy Lake, then a senior civil servant with a passion for civic education, spearheaded the creation of the Constitutional Youth Club (CYC) and later the Constitutional Culture Club (CCC) under the Department of Constitutional Affairs.

Her vision was simple yet profound:

“A nation cannot be built without the understanding and participation of its youth.”

Through school-based programs, debates, and interactive panel discussions, CYC and CCC turned classrooms and community halls into spaces of nation-building. They tackled complex questions of identity, governance, and autonomy, translating the legal language of constitutional change into the lived experiences of the people.

A Generation That Answered the Call

Among the first to take up this challenge were young people like Alissa Rios and Paul Lourens, who worked hand in hand with Ms. Lake to organize youth workshops, debates, and public outreach initiatives. Their work helped demystify constitutional restructuring for their peers, fostering understanding of concepts like autonomy, responsibility, and citizenship.

Many of those youth have since become leaders in their own right, professionals, public servants, and changemakers who continue to carry the torch of nation-building.

From Youth Leaders to Nation Builders

Over the past fifteen years, nearly every member of the CYC and CCC has gone on to make meaningful contributions within their communities, both at home and abroad. Former members can now be found in nearly every sector of society, serving as educators, civil servants, chefs, entrepreneurs, political leaders, artists, and innovators. Together, they represent a generation of young St. Maarteners who transformed civic education into civic action.

To name just a few examples of this lasting legacy:

• Alissa Rios, founding member of CYC and CCC, returned in 2012 after completing her Master’s in Public Administration in the Netherlands, and quickly became a trusted advisor to several Ministers. Today she works passionately as an advisor to Member of Parliament Omar Ottley, shaping legislation and continuously championing effective, people-centered governance.
• Nerissa Cornelia, former President of CCC, is now a respected lawyer at SXM Notary Richards, continuing her dedication to integrity, community service, and the principles of fairness that guided her from her teenage years.
• Patrice Gumbs, once an active debater and member of CYC, now serves as Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI). His journey from youth leader to civil servant to Minister reflects a lifelong commitment to public service and responsible leadership.
• Keshia Richards, LLM, who also was a member of the CCC, went on to become one of the 3 Civil Law Notaries on St. Maarten, embodying integrity and professionalism in one of the nation’s most trusted legal roles.

These are but a few examples of the many youths who turned civic learning into lifelong leadership; a legacy that continues to shape St. Maarten today.

The Legacy of Ms. Dorothy Lake

No tribute to CYC and CCC would be complete without honoring the indomitable Ms. Dorothy Lake, the architect of youth civic engagement during the constitutional transition. With wisdom, grace, and an unwavering belief in young people, Ms. Lake instilled in her students a deep understanding that nation-building begins with knowledge, dialogue, and accountability.

Her mentorship produced not just informed youth, but future leaders, many of whom now serve in key positions across government, law, medicine, and education.

Even in retirement, Ms. Lake remains a guiding light, her legacy woven into the civic fabric of modern St. Maarten. Her example continues to inspire those who believe in service above self and in the transformative power of education

PHILIPSBURG:---  Since becoming a constituent country on October 10, 2010, Sint Maarten has navigated the complex waters of self-governance. As the nation celebrates its 15-year milestone, its Parliament is under the microscope. The public is increasingly asking tough questions about the cost of governance versus the tangible benefits delivered to the people.

The High Price of Politics

From the outset of autonomy, the financial costs associated with running the government have been substantial. A 2019 report highlighted that approximately 54 million guilders had been paid in salaries and related benefits to around 66 political officeholders, including Members of Parliament and ministers. This figure doesn't include other perks and representation costs, raising concerns in a nation grappling with economic challenges and recovery from natural disasters.

A significant portion of this spending has been directed towards international engagements, most notably the country's membership in the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino). Audits reveal that since 2010, Parlatino membership has cost nearly half a million guilders in fees and an additional 2 million guilders in travel expenses. In 2022, travel for Parlatino events made up over a third of the Parliament's total travel budget.

This has drawn criticism from figures like former MP Melissa Gumbs, who described the expenditure as a "waste of limited resources" with "no measurable return" for Sint Maarten. A growing chorus of voices now suggests these funds could be better used to address pressing local needs.

Legislative Wins and Unanswered Questions

Parliament has not been idle. It has passed foundational laws necessary for the country's governance, including the constitution and various national ordinances that guided the transition to autonomy. A 2015 report from Transparency International noted that about 130 bills had been passed in the first five years, covering critical areas like governance and integrity.

However, a key piece of the puzzle is missing. It is difficult to determine how many of these laws were initiative bills—legislation proposed directly by MPs rather than the government. Without this information, it is hard to assess the proactive impact of individual representatives. The public record often lacks the detail needed to connect enacted laws to direct improvements in citizens' lives, making it challenging to gauge the legislature's overall effectiveness.

Parliament Composition: The Search for a Complete Record

Efforts to trace who has served in the Parliament of Sint Maarten since 2010 quickly reveal obstacles. While headline figures—such as the roughly 66 individuals holding MP or ministerial office over 15 years—are publicly cited, no single accessible source lists every MP per term, especially accounting for the frequent mid-term changes resulting from resignations, appointments to the Council of Ministers, by-elections, and party shifting.

Verified MPs by Term

Drawing from the most reliable sources available, here is a breakdown of known Parliament members at or near the start of each term:

Gaps and Challenges in Tracking Parliamentary Membership

Despite repeated efforts, it has not been possible to compile a fully definitive list of every MP who served, accounting for all substitutions, ministerial appointments, resignations, and inter-party switches—especially between elections. Publicly available records frequently lack timely updates, and comprehensive parliamentary rosters from past terms are often absent or incomplete. Information on party shifts, by-elections, and the mid-term entry of substitute members is especially difficult to corroborate, further complicating efforts to assess long-term parliamentary continuity and output.

Notable MPs with Long Service

Amid these data gaps, several parliamentarians stand out for their enduring presence:

• Sarah A. Wescot-Williams: Serving continuously since 2010, she has played pivotal leadership roles, serving both as Prime Minister and as President of Parliament, guiding crucial institutional reforms and legislative foundations. However, her achievements are limited.

• William Marlin: Elected in 2010 and serving until 2024, Marlin shaped early governance as National Alliance leader and contributed significantly to legislative development.

• Theodore (Theo) Heyliger: First elected in 2010 and serving through multiple terms, Heyliger was instrumental within the United People's Party and central to parliamentary debates and initiatives

• While these MPs have helped shape Sint Maarten’s legislative history, the details of their specific output—such as the number and type of legislative proposals and policy initiatives they individually authored or championed—are not easily extracted from the public record. This further highlights the ongoing need for transparent, accessible archives of parliamentary actions and achievements.
• A Growing Demand for Transparency
• The gap between significant public spending and unclear legislative impact has fueled calls for greater accountability. A lack of detailed public information on MP-initiated laws and their outcomes makes it difficult for citizens to evaluate whether their elected officials are earning their keep beyond ceremonial duties.

As Sint Maarten looks to the future, residents and watchdog groups are pushing for more transparency and a better use of public money. There is a clear demand for elected officials to demonstrate how their work translates into positive, measurable results for the community.

To rebuild public trust and ensure taxpayer money is spent wisely, critics are proposing several key reforms. These include creating a public registry for all initiative laws, conducting thorough audits of expenditures like the Parlatino membership, and establishing clear performance metrics. Such measures would help tie parliamentary actions directly to improvements in governance, infrastructure, and social well-being for all of Sint Maarten.