ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT OF SINT MAARTEN

WELCOME TO SINT MAARTEN!

Introduction

As of October 10, 2010, Sint Maarten became a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. On October 9, 2010, the Netherlands Antilles in which Sint Maarten was one of five Island Territories ceased to exist as a country within the Dutch Kingdom. The Kingdom of the Netherlands now comprises of the following countries, The Netherlands, Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten. The three other islands, Saba, St. Eustatius and Bonaire are now public entities of the Netherlands and have a similar status as Dutch municipalities.

As a country, Sint Maarten enjoys its own autonomy. In this respect, it is free to enact its own laws providing that these laws do not conflict with the laws of a higher nature (Kingdom) or with international treaties of which the Netherlands are cosignatory.

The Government

As an island territory, Sint Maarten was governed by the Island Regulation of the Netherlands Antilles, and in accordance herewith the administration units of the Island Territory were: the Island Council, Executive Council and Lt. Governor.

As of October 10, 2010, Sint Maarten is now governed by its own Constitution and the following institutions of government: Governor as Head of State, the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister, and the Parliament.

The Parliament

The parliament is the highest legislative body of country Sint Maar Maarten and represents the entire population of the Dutch side of the island. The parliament consists of 15 members who are elected are elected for a four-year period.