The Registrar's Office Insider 30 March 2026
REGISTRAR’S OFFICE INSIDER
A bi-weekly office insider brought to you by the Registrar’s Office
VOL. 3, ISS. 5 | MARCH 30.3.2026
Top stories
Dear General Public,
As the community of Sint Eustatius prepares to observe Easter, this period presents an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect not only as individuals, but as a collective.
Easter carries a broader significance beyond tradition. It reflects renewal, resilience, and forward momentum, principals that also underpin the ongoing work of the Island Council of Sint Eustatius.
In this edition, you will find more insight into Island Council instruments, the Registrar's Office, and key highlights shaping the work of the Council.
What's In & What's Ahead
Island Council Mail (19-30 March 2026)
Incoming Documents
- BC List of Decisions January - March 2026
- Bestuurlijk overleg Staatsecretaris Eric v.d. Burg met het Eilandsraad en Bestuurcollege Statia
- Commissioner Merkman visit to the Netherlands
- Meeting request April 17th
Upcoming Meetings & Events (30-10 Mar)
- Island Council meeting 003-26 (Public Meeting)
02 April 2026 ● 9:30 AM ● Emergency Operations Center (EOC) ● Supporting Documents - Presidium (Closed-Door Meeting)
08 April 2026 ● 02:00 PM
Strengthening Collaboration: Heisessie Session
On March 9, the Registrar's Office and the Office of the Island Secretary held a joint heisessie focused on strengthening collaboration and alignment.
The session was joined by Island Governor Alida Francis, Deputy Island Governor Sharon Hassell, and Mr Tuitt, Unit Manager of Finance. Discussions centred on improving communication, streamline processes, and enhance coordination in support of both the Island Council and Executive Council of Sint Eustatius.
St Eustatius is the first Dutch Caribbean Island to host CaribVET
Sint Eustatius became the first Dutch Caribbean Island to host the 7th CaribVET-CARICOM Conference 2026, held from 23-27 March.
The conference brought together regional and international experts to discuss veterinary services, food safety, and disease prevention. During the opening ceremony, Council Lady Mercedes Lopes delivered a brief address, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration.
For more information and photos, visit the Statia Government Facebook page.
Highlights CaribVET 2026
Island Council Instrument (series 3)
AMENDMENTS AND SUB-AMENDMENTS
When the Executive Council brings a proposal or initiative proposal, any Island Council member can suggest a change to it. This change is called an amendment.
If another member wants to change that amendment, they can submit a sub-amendment (a change to the change).
The right of amendment is set out in Article 151 of the WolBES. This law requires the Island Council to make its own rules on how amendment works. These further rules are written in Article 41 of the Rules of Order for Meetings and Other Proceedings of the Island Council Sint Eustatius, adopted on 20 November 2025.
Key points:
- Every Island Council member can submit an amendment and sub-amendment.
- The member can withdraw the amendment at any time before the final vote.
- The Council votes on amendments before voting on the full proposal.
- A proposal can be split into parts, so some parts can be approved and others rejected.
Amendments help the Island Council to improve proposals, correct issues, and represent community interest before final decisions are made.
Greetings: A Season of Renewal
Across the Island, Easter is a time where families and communities come together, traditions are upheld and shared across generations, and a renewed sense of unity and purpose is embraced.
The Island Council of Sint Eustatius extends warm and safe Eater wishes to all residents and visitors of Sint Eustatius. May this season bring renewal, positivity, and a strengthened sense of community across the island.
Photo of the Week
Island Council Member C.A. Mercedes Lopes-Spanner delivering remarks during the Opening Ceremony of the CaribVET-CARICOM Conference, March 2026 Sint Eustatius
Quote of the week:
“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.” — Steve Jobs
Did you know?
Did you know that in the past, members of the Island Council of Sint Eustatius could also serve as Commissioner at the same time?
Today, these roles are separated to strengthen good governance, ensuring clearer responsibilities, greater transparency, and improved checks and balances within the Island Government.
Next edition: April 13th, 2026
