Commissioner of Constitutional Affairs Derricks Simmons.
ST. EUSTATIUS--Commissioner of Constitutional Affairs Derricks Simmons announced a contract with new legal counsel pertaining to the Executive Council’s efforts to obtain more autonomy for St. Eustatius.
The Commissioner said that he was “pleased” to announce that, “as instructed by the Island Council in its motion of May 9, 2017, the Executive Council has finalized and approved the contract with legal counsel Mr. Jared Genser of the international law firm Perseus Strategies.”
Genser is to assist the Executive Council in arriving at a signed agreement with the Government of the Netherlands, “which is fully compliant with the obligations of the Government of the Netherlands under the United Nations Charter and applicable resolutions related to decolonization and achieving a full measure of self-government by non-self-governing territories,” Simmons said.
“The agreement follows from the current governing coalition’s commitment to the people of St. Eustatius regarding constitutional reform. As part of the process, the draft Constitution for St. Eustatius has already been approved by the Island Council, a feasibility study is being carried out by BDO Consulting, and a comprehensive economic development plan is being finalized,” he explained.
“Also, a number of initiatives have been started to promote and ensure long-term economic development, job creation and self-reliance for St. Eustatius and its citizens. In addition, the Government continues to work on improving its structure, functioning and accountability,” Simmons added.
“Reaching said signed agreement with the Government of the Netherlands will create the basis for the process of reform and development which St. Eustatius has embarked on, and correct the current legal deficiencies in the Dutch legislation governing St. Eustatius. Based on the agreement, St. Eustatius and the Netherlands can jointly work towards the practical implementation of St Eustatius’ rightful constitutional status as an autonomous island within the Kingdom of the Netherlands,” according to the Commissioner.
Simmons said that the Island Council, social partners and the public of Statia “will continue to be closely involved with this process and kept abreast of all developments. I look forward to their continued input and support,” he stated.
He said he is also looking forward to continuing the dialogue with the Government of the Netherlands.
