The Registrar's Office Insider 21 August 2026

Dear General Public,
The summer recess is coming to an end, and with the Island Council returning on 24 August, it is a good time to take a step back and look at the work that has already taken place this year.

Behind every agenda item, discussion and vote is a process that often goes unnoticed. Documents are prepared, questions are raised, decisions are recorded and information is carefully processed, all before and after the Council takes its seat.

So, what has the Council actually been working on in 2026? And what happens behind the scenes to keep that work moving?

This edition of our Office Insider takes you through some of the key Council business of the year so far, gives you a closer look at the work of the Registrar's Office, and highlight what is coming as the Council enters the second half of its 2026 year.

So, grab a cup of coffee and catch up before the Council gets back to business!

2026 So Far: Council Business at a Glance

From childcare and environmental legislation to harbour matters and financial decisions, the Island Council has addressed a range of matters during the first half of 2026.

Here's a look at some of the key business debated on the Island Council floor so far:

February:

• 🟨 Island Ordinance and Decision Childcare
• 🟦 Island Council Decision Travel Dates Island Council 2026
• 🟦 Establishment of Foundation for Fundraising and Contract Fundraiser
• 🟪 Written Question: Government Acknowledging Policy, Council Lady R. Spanner-Carty

April:

• 🟨 Island Ordinance and Decision on Environment Activities
• 🟦 Court Of Audit Sint Eustatius: Performance Audit on Permitting Issuance Process Report and Decision

May:

• 🟦 Court of Audit Annual Report 2025 and Decision
• 🟦 Island Council Decision Harbor Renovation Plans

July:

• 🟦 1st Quarterly Implementation Report 2026 and Decision
• 🟦 Annual Account 2025 and Decision
• 🟦 Island Council Decision Allocation of Funds from the 2024 Earmarked Reserve
• 🟩 Amendment Adoption of the OLE Account 2025

While the Council was in recess...

The work didn't stop.

A recess in Council meetings does not mean a pause in the work that supports the Island Council.

Over the past weeks, the Registrar’s Office has been using the quieter period to close off outstanding work, prepare for upcoming activities and lay the groundwork for what is ahead.

Here's what has been happening behind the scenes:

• 🏛️ LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP

  The Registrar’s Office successfully organised the Legacy of Leadership event, commemorating 75 Years of Democratic Representation on Sint Eustatius.

  The event provided an opportunity to honour the island’s democratic history and recognise the many individuals who have contributed to the development of representative government on Sint Eustatius.

• ✈️ PREPARING FOR UPCOMING WORKING TRIPS

  Preparations have been underway for several upcoming working trips, including the coordination of travel arrangements, accommodation, transportation and other logistical requirements.

• 📋 LOOKING AHEAD TO THE 2027 ELECTIONS

  Although the next Island Council election is still ahead, preparations have already begun.

  The Registrar’s Office has started laying the administrative groundwork for the March 2027 Island Council elections, ensuring that planning begins well in advance of the electoral period.

• 📅 GETTING READY FOR THE SECOND HALF OF 2026

  With the Council returning from recess on 24 August, preparations have also been underway for upcoming Council and Central Committee meetings, including scheduling, documentation and logistical arrangements.

• 🌐 RECORDS REVIEW & ORGANISATION

  The recess provided an opportunity to take a closer look at the Registrar’s records, ensuring that files and documents are up to date, properly organised and in their appropriate locations. This important behind-the-scenes work helps keep the Council’s official records accurate, accessible and well maintained.

What's Next?

On Monday, 24 August 2026 the Island Council resumes its regular programme following the summer recess.

The second half of the year will bring new meetings, new agenda items, continued consideration of matters affecting Sint Eustatius and further opportunities for residents to stay informed and participate.

Meeting dates, agendas and supporting documents are published through the Island Council's official information channels.

STAY INFORMED (links):

• Calendar upcoming Meeting Dates
• Follow Live Meetings via Facebook 
• Island Council Sint Eustatius Facebook
• Council News

YOUR VOICE MATTERS:

As the Island Council begins the second half of its 2026 programme, residents are encouraged to stay informed and make use of opportunities to participate.

Follow the work of your elected representatives, read the documents, attend public meetings where possible and keep informed about matters affecting our island.

FOLLOW. INFORM YOURSELF. PARTICIPATE.

Your Island Council. Serving the people. Strengthening democracy. Keeping the public informed.

Photo of the Week

Sint Eustatius August 2026

Quote of the week: 

“All you need is the plan, the road map, and the courage to press on to your destination.” — Earl Nightingale

Democracy 101

What does the Island Council actually do?

The Island Council is the elected representative body of the people of Sint Eustatius. It plays an important role in shaping local policy, overseeing the Executive Council and representing the interests of the community.

Over the coming Months, the Registrar's Office Insider will take you through the Island Council, one topic at a time.

Next edition: September 4th, 2026