GENERAL INFORMATION A

Bout The Government Of Sint Maarten

Sint Maarten attained its current status as Country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands on October 10th, 2010 (10-10-10) through the restructuring of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Sint Maarten is a Parliamentary Democracy with autonomy regarding internal affairs. The Government of the Netherlands is responsible for Defense, Foreign Affairs, and the Judiciary.

The Council of Ministers consist of the Prime Minister and six Ministers that are appointed for a four year term and governs the executive administration, along with the Governor of Sint Maarten. The Governor, who represents the Dutch Kingdom, serves for a six year term, sanctions appointments and governmental activities.The Minister Plenipotentiary in the Netherlands is the representative of the Government of Sint Maarten in the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The Council of Ministers are responsible for the following seven ministries, Ministry of General Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure, Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Ministry of Public Health , Social Development & Labor, Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication.

Climate

The island enjoys sunshine all year round. Average wind speed of 4.1 m/s; average temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) in the winter and 86 degrees (30 degrees) in the summer.

The sun shines for approximately eight hours a day and the average rainfall annually is approximately 40 inches. The water temperature is approximately 78 degrees Fahrenheit (25.6 degrees Celsius). Gentle trade winds keep the humidity low.