The primary function of the Department is to “formulate, implement, monitor and evaluate the socio-economic policies of the Island Territory of St. Maarten with the ultimate purpose of stimulating economic growth and development”.
As an island nation whose economy is based on one industry - tourism - it is of the utmost importance that every visitor - either virtual or real -- to St. Maarten has a positive and memorable experience. An experience that leaves you wanting more as you browse the web, just as you might want one or two days more at the end of your vacation stay.
With the constitutional reform currently taking place within The Netherlands, St. Maarten is set to become an autonomous
country within the kingdom of The Netherlands. Preparations are being made to dismantle The Netherlands Antilles which will give
birth to a new constitution, legislation and government entity for St. Maarten.
Country St. Maarten will assume a fifteen-member parliament representing the entire St. Maarten populace;
the prime minister will be head of parliament/government and will be appointed and dismissed by resolution.
A joint court will exist between the new entities within the kingdom, of which Country St. Maarten will form part.
The island territory of St. Maarten is governed by the Island Regulation of the Netherlands Antilles (i.e. ERNA),
and in accordance herewith the administration units of the Island Territory are:
I. The Island Council
II. The Executive Council
III. The Lieutenant Governor
Leader of Government and Commissioner of :
- General & Internal Affairs,
- Civil Affairs,
- Constitutional Affairs,
- Legal Affairs,
- Government Information Service & Protocol,
- Sector Education,
- Public Housing Affairs,
- Telecommunication Affairs
Commissionner of:
- Sector Spatial Planning & Development,
- Fire department & Disaster Management,
- Directorate Programs & Projects,
- Harbour Affairs,
- Harbour Group of Companies,
- Economic Development Corporation,
- Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation,
Commissionner of:
- Economic Policy & Research,
- Tourism,
- Traffic & Transportation,
- Control & Inspection,
- Licenses Public vending & Economic Control,
- Sports & Recreation,
- Aviation Affairs,
Commissionner of:
- Finance,
- Receivers Office,
- Personnel & Organization Affairs,
- Information & Communication Technology,
Commissioner of:
- Ambulance Services,
- Labor & Social Affairs,
- Hygiene & Veterinary Affairs,
- Preventive Health Department,
- Culture & Youth Affairs,
- Agriculture & Fisheries,
- Women Affairs
In accordance with Article 63 of the Island Regulation, the Lieutenant Governor is appointed, suspended and discharged by the crown (Queen). He shall be appointed for a period of six years. He can be discharged at any time. Only persons who are Dutch, not having been debarred from the right to vote on the strength of article 46 of the Federal Constitution, nor deprived of eligibility to hold office can be appointed to said function. He must be at least 25 years of age. More Info
The Island Council of St. Maarten consists of eleven (11) members, of which 5 members sit on the Executive Council and the additional 6 form part of the Island Council. In accordance with Article 16 of the present Island Regulation, the members are elected for a period of four (4) years. Members of the Island Council, could, but do not necessary have to be part of the Executive Council.
Before assuming their functions the members of the Island Council shall be administered the oath of office or they shall make a declaration or affirmation to the chairman of the Island Council (Article 22 of the Island Regulation).
Article 24 of the Island Regulation constitutes the authority of the Island Council. This article states: “So far as regulation and administration of own affairs of the island territory are concerned, all powers not assigned to the Lt. Governor or the Executive Council by this or any other legal regulation referred to in Article 2, sub (3), (a), (b) and (c) of the Federal Constitution, are vested in the Island Council”.
The Island Council is authorized to enact island ordinances governing the matters referred to in the first paragraph
Article 47 of the Island Regulation states that the Executive Council consists of the Lieutenant Governor, who is a member, as well as its chairman, and a minimum of two and a maximum of seven Commissioners as members. The Commissioners are elected by the Island Council. The Executive Council is charged with the daily administration
Present Island Council members not part of the Executive Council are:
Democratic Party
-Petrus L. de Weever
-Sarah Wescot-Williams
-Roy Marlin
-Maria Buncamper-Molanus
National Alliance members (NA):
- George Pantophlet
- Rudolphe Samuel.
Independent:
- Louie Laveist
