The Registrar's Office Insider
REGISTRAR’S OFFICE INSIDER
A bi-weekly office insider brought to you by the Registrar’s Office
VOL. 2, ISS. 28 | DECEMBER 12.12.2025
Special Edition⇠
Top stories
Dear General Public,
Season's greetings and welcome to our Christmas Special Edition. This is the moment when the island slows down, the lights go up, and we all lean into a little extra cheer. This issue is packed with festive snapshots, seasonal surprises, and heartwarming moments designed to lift spirits and spark smiles.
Pour yourself something warm, settle in, and let's unwrap this special edition together. The best of the season starts here.
Community Spotlight
Shining a Light
Every year, Ms. Marcella Marsdin brings the season to life with her iconic Red and White Parade. What started as a simple idea has grown into a highly anticipated community moment; a burst of colour, joy, and pure Christmas spirit moving through our streets.
In parallel, we also recognise the Spanish community, whose annual December decorations transform the Wilhelmina park into a festive focal point. Their continued contribution adds a visual vibrancy and reinforces the inclusive spirit of the season.
Together, these effots elevate the Christmas experience on Statia. We extend our appreciation to all who continue to invest time, creativity and community spirit, ensuring the island shines year after year.
A Year in Pictures Review
Work Visit December 2025
The Island Council of Sint Eustatius attended the 50th Saba Day celebrations and then travelled to The Hague for the 36th InterExpo Conference. InterExpo is an annual gathering that brings together representatives of all islands of the Dutch Kingdom, along with partners and officials from the Netherlands. This year's conference theme focused on the fifteen years since the constitutional reform of 2010.
Councilman Clyde van Putten delivered remarks on Statia's democratic development, while Councilman Derrick Simmons contributed to the panel on equitable education. The Statia delegation also inluded Council Lady Mercedes Lopes, Council Lady Raquel Spanner, Councilman Glenville Schmidt and Acting Registrar and Council Advisor Marjani Humphreys.
The delegation also met with the Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management to discuss the Public Service Obligation (PSO) that is currently being handled in the Second Chamber, in addition to this discussion the Council also highlighted the recent strike in airfares. The Council also visited ProDemos to gain more insight into what ProDemos offers and its role and activities.
Press Release 1: Sint Eustatius 05 December 2025
Press Release 2:
Work Visit Picture Highlights
Civic Education Programme with Gwendoline van Putten School
The Registrar Office, in collaboration with Social Support, successfully delivered Part A of the Civic Education Programme at the Gwendoline van Putten School during 8-12 December. The sessions equipped students with a pratical understanding of local governance, citizen responsibilties, and the statutory frameworks that underpin service on Sint Eustatius. Part B of the programme is scheduled for February 2026.
Registrar Office Notice
Milestone Alert
On 14 December, we recognise a significant moment in our organisation; Mrs. Melissa Robins-Spanner marks two years as Island Registrar of the Island Council of Sint Eustatius.
Over the past 24 months, Melissa has demonstrated consistent professionalism, integrity, and a clear commitment to supporting the Island Council. Please join us in congratulating Melissa on this milestone. Here's to continued success and impact in the years ahead.
Birthday Spotlight
As we celebrate milestones, we also want to take a moment to wish a very happy birthday to Sje-Vaughn Fleming, our dedicated Administrative Clerk, celebrating on 24 December.
Let's all join in wishing Sje-Vaughn a fantastic birthday filled with joy and laughter. May this year bring her happiness, success and new adventures. Cheer to you, Sje-Vaughn!
Season Greetings 2025
Christmas is here, and with it comes that unmistakable feeling of warmth, light, and community spirit across Statia. This is the season where simple moments matter most ⇢ shared meals, friendly greetings, laughter on the breeze, and familiar traditions that bring comfort and joy.
From the Island Council and the Registrar team, we want to wish every household a peaceful and cheerful Christmas holiday. May your days be filled with kindness, good company, and a touch of festive magic.
Thank you for being part of what makes our island unique. Enjoy the season, stay safe, and let’s carry this positive energy into the New Year.
Photo of the Week
Civic Education GvP School December 2025
Quote of the week:
“The day the Power of Love overrules the Love of Power, the world will know Peace” — Mahatma Gandhi
Christmas Community Events hosted by the Public Entity
Next edition: January 2nd, 2025
