The Registrar's Office Insider 03 March 2026

Dear General Public,
Transparency is not merely a principle; it is an active commitment. March is another step forward in keeping our community informed and engaged. Through this edition of the Registrar's Office Insider, we continue our commitment to keeping the people of Statia informed, aware, and connected to processes that shape our island's direction.

This month also brings global recognition of Down Syndrome, observed annually on World Down Syndrome Day. It is a reminder that inclusive governance matters, that every voice, every family, and every resident is part of our community fabric.

Informed communities drive stronger governance. We encourage you to explore this edition, stay engaged with Council matters, and continue to take an active interest in the mechanisms that safeguard our democratic framework.

Thank you for staying connected.

Upcoming Meetings & Events (03-16 Mar)

• Presidium 003-26
  11 March 2026   ●   2:00 PM   ●   Governor Administrative Building

BES Summit Feb 2026

On 27 February 2026, members of the Island Councils of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba convened in Bonaire for the first BES Summit of the year. The summit, guided by a joint MOU, continues to serve as a strategic platform for cooperation, legislative alignment and addressing shared priorities across the islands.

Key discussions focused on different ongoing legislative processes and consultations related to BES legislation, including the Wet politieke partijen (WPP) and open consultation process regarding temporary unemployment benefits (UWV) for citizens of the BES islands, healthcare reform, education challenges, and safeguarding inter-island connectivity through the Public Service Obligation (PSO).

The islands reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative action while respecting local autonomy, with clear follow-up steps agreed ahead of the next Summit.

Read full article here: Press Release

Inclusion in Action: Governance That Represents Everyone

This month we recognise Down syndrome, observed globally on World Down Syndrome Day. Beyond awareness, this moment invites reflection on what inclusive governance truly means for Statia.

Good governance is not only about policy and procedure; it is about representation. The Island Council of Sint Eustatius serves as the voice of all residents. That includes individuals with Down syndrome and their families, who contribute to the social and cultural strength of our island.

Inclusive governance means:

• Ensuring accessibility in public communication
• Encouraging participation in community consultations
• Promoting equal opportunity in education, employment and public life
• Embedding dignity and respect into policy discussions

When governance reflects every member of society, decision-making becomes stronger, more balanced and more humane.

This week, we highlight the principle: Nothing about us, without us.

Island Council Instrument

WRITTEN QUESTIONS

Under Article 47 of the Rules of Order (adopted 22 November 2025); Island Council members may submit written questions to the Executive Council. These questions are submitted in writing and distributed through the Island Registrar, and must be answered within 30 working days. 

If additional time is required, the members must be informed with an explanation. In practice, answers to Written Questions are often given by the by the responsible portfolio holder on behalf of the Executive Council.

The Island Council may also determine that the matter requires further clarification in a public meeting, allowing for supplementary questions. The member who submitted the original questions may pose follow-up questions.

Island Council members may ask questions to get information about matters under the responsibility of the Commissioners (Article 51 Rules of Order) or the Island Governor (Article 52 Rules of Order). These questions are mainly meant to inform the Council and the public.

If the issue needs a decision, the Council member can use:

• Initiative Proposal (the Right of Initiative, to propose a decision or ordinance) OR
• Interpellation (to demand urgent answers in a meeting)

The right to ask Written Questions helps the Island Council stay informed, increase transparency, and monitor how the government is working.

Click here to view recently submitted Written Questions: Island Council Written Questions

Track the Biggest Hour for Earth, Live Updates & Insights: Earth Hour

Photo of the Week

Island Council Attending the Civic Education Launch 5 March 2025

Quote of the week: 

“Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and test of our civilization.” — Mahatma Gandhi
 

Next edition: March 16th, 2026