The Department of Community Development, Family and Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA) hosting a Community Council Information Session (see related story) at University of St. Martin (USM) is an interesting development. It marked the second phase of an empowerment project, designed to enhance community-based governance, increase social cohesion and foster grass-roots leadership across local neighbourhoods.
Among the facilitators were members of the Dutch Quarter Community Council, one of the first two councils to complete the programme during its pilot phase completed in 2024, while two others were unable to do so because of unforeseen circumstances but have registered to join the new group. Those which complete the programme receive assistance in securing non-government organisation (NGO) status through financial and administrative backing with the notary and Chamber of Commerce, unlocking greater opportunities for funding, sponsorship and formalised community action.
Some have argued that such councils should get political representation, but the idea of adding another layer of public administration is not an attractive one. It tends to make for ineffective governing and is one of the reasons the former Netherlands Antilles was ultimately dissolved per 10-10-10, following Aruba’s departure in 1986.
One option would be to have proportional representation in Parliament where legislators are elected per district, rather than at a national level as is now the case. Here too, observers have pointed out that as a small, relatively young country, it might be best to keep voting the “best” overall 15 candidates into office regardless of where they and their supporters reside.
Perhaps these matters can be discussed at the Governor’s Symposium reported on in Wednesday’s newspaper, taking place on October 10, 2025, to mark the 15th anniversary of St. Maarten gaining country status. The Ombudsman reminded in last week’s Friday/Saturday edition that there have been six elections normally held every four years resulting in 12 different cabinets since, so one would think there is plenty to talk about.
