Studying abroad has been a life-changing experience for Deedee Johnson, who grew up on two very small islands, and now has an incredibly broad perspective of the world and the place that she, and others, can hold in it. The past two years have been particularly intense, as she embarked on pursuing two Master’s degrees concurrently, focusing on international law and environmental sciences.
Having pushed herself to the limit, she can proudly look back and say that it has all been worth it, while she recharges and prepares for her next moves. The recent graduate chose studies with a truly international scope, and many of the insights earned on pressing and complex matters are directly relevant to the islands, underscoring the need for strong legal frameworks and governance. Read about her journey and key takeaways below, as shared with The Weekender in her own words.
An introduction
My name is Deedee Johnson. I was born on Saba and raised on Sint Maarten. I have lived in The Netherlands for approximately 12 years. I have also lived in London, frequented the United States, and visited various parts of Europe and the Caribbean. Living abroad and embracing a diverse life have allowed me to blossom in wisdom, grace, gratitude and grit.
Due to my curious nature to question everything and my audacious debating skills, my mom often told me, “You should be a lawyer.” I guess mothers always know – because today I am an International Lawyer and an Environmentalist!
Throughout the years, I explored different fields, including retail, hospitality, entertainment, entrepreneurship, photography, videography, and graphic design. In 2015, at the age of 27, I courageously decided to go back to university. However, the path to my achievements was nothing short of challenging. The day I graduated with my Bachelor of Laws in International and European law with a specialisation in Corporate and Commercial law, and a minor in Compliance from The Hague University was life-changing, and I didn’t stop there.
As of recent, I have completed two Master’s degrees at the same time in only two very intense years. I earned a Master of Laws degree in Public International Law, specialising in Oceans, the Environment, and Sustainability from Utrecht University; and a Master of Science in Environment and Resource Management, with a focus on Energy and Climate at Vrije University Amsterdam.
An impressive two Master’s degrees, and within a short time span! Can you tell us a little about each Master’s degree, and what led you to pursue the second one?
My law degree was definitely a passionate choice. I took three main courses: Public International Law, International Environmental Law, and International Law of the Sea. I also represented Palestine in a mandatory International Law Moot Court with my female-powered team. Additionally, I took five short courses that fit both my specialisation and other areas of interest, including a collaborative online course with the University of Western Cape in South Africa! For my thesis, I carried out a critical assessment of the “territorial limitation” that was placed on the “applicability” of the UNFCCC [United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change -ed.] & the Paris Agreement in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
While the goal was always to obtain two Master’s degrees, I noticed that employers were increasingly seeking legal professionals with broader multidisciplinary skillsets. This realisation led me to pursue my Master of Science, where I broadened my scientific, technical, and analytical knowledge in areas such as governance, economics, project management, climate change, energy systems, and research methods and design. For my thesis, I researched how international environmental laws could be utilised in curbing environmental degradation caused by crude oil spills in Nigeria’s Niger Delta.
How would you describe “a day in your life” when there was overlap between the two programmes?
Those days were really intense and challenging. During the second half of both studies, I often had to decide whether to travel between three different cities to attend all classes or to stay at home and self-study while taking care of my wellbeing. There was no other way to achieve it all without sacrifices. No matter what I had going on in my personal life, I had to persevere. There were many sleepless nights and, admittedly, many tears involved.
With all goals, you have to know what you are getting into and what you can endure, or else you will not survive the challenges. It really comes down to having the right mindset. In my case, I made sure that my self-determination surpassed all my doubts each day.
We all hear about the famous Paris Agreement, but it sometimes feels like “international news”. Based on your law thesis, what should those of us in the Dutch Caribbean know about this famous Agreement?
Firstly, Sint Maarten, Curaçao, and Aruba must remember that we are also part of that “international news” with the treaty-making powers of our representatives in the Kingdom Government. We can no longer hide behind the “Orange cloak” with this belief that we have no say or power.
In my legal analysis, I concluded that although the territorial limitation has been beneficial (albeit limited), it should only be temporary, especially for treaties that deal with pressing issues like climate change. There should be actionable plans for implementation that include realistic long-term goals, timelines, funding, and expertise.
It is crucial to understand that it does not matter “how” the obligations under the Paris Agreement are met. It only matters that the State Party, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is compliant.
This means that the Kingdom Government, in consultation with local governments, have the flexibility to internally decide on how to transpose the provisions of the Paris Agreement. This internal decision can take the form of a “mutual arrangement” as stipulated under article 27(2) of the Kingdom Charter. Sint Maarten, Curaçao, and Aruba can then collaborate with the (European) Netherlands to prepare to extend the applicability of the Paris Agreement.
After all, we are cooperative “equal partners” in the Kingdom. The impending increase in severity and frequency of climate change impacts should be the driving force behind these discussions and reaching the positively impactful solutions needed.
The pressure on the Kingdom to comply as a unified state will continue to push the four autonomous countries to work together more strongly and consistently, implementing measures based on specific environmental law principles. This would ensure that all sectors on our islands are sustainable and will eventually lead to self-sufficiency – upholding the right to self-determination.
What is one interesting takeaway from your research on utilising international environmental laws to curb environmental degradation in the Niger Delta?
One key takeaway is that for international environmental laws to be effectively implemented in countries like Nigeria, they must be based on or transposed from a perspective that places emphasis on the needs, values, and historical experiences of non-Western communities. The principle of intergenerational equity, which ensures that future generations have the resources and environment needed to thrive, is a key aspect of my work and is equally applicable to the Dutch Caribbean.
I also realised that many issues faced in both regions are connected by the common thread: the need for better governance, greater accountability, and stronger legal frameworks. Like Nigeria, the government of Sint Maarten, for example, also has a constitutional obligation to “make the habitability of the country and the protection and improvement of the environment a constant concern”. What a “constant concern” means is another story. Perhaps a constitutional review is in order!
What are your plans for the near future?
Currently, I am enjoying my well-deserved and much-needed rest while still exploring the many opportunities before me. Ideally, I would love to work remotely for the Dutch Caribbean (and beyond) as an independent consultant for the public and/or private sectors; but I am also looking into career opportunities with international organisations such as those under the United Nations.
Do you have any tips about goal setting and time management for aspiring (or current) students?
For goal setting, I once heard this quote: “All you need is a little delusion and audacity, and you can seriously do anything in this life.” Live by it, but most importantly, ask for help when you need it, invest in building relationships and networks, and determine who you want to be when setting your goals. Knowing yourself is as important as knowing how to do the job.
Time management needs consistency. Learn this early on, as consistency creates habit, and habit makes time management far easier. I always mapped out my entire school year and kept both digital and physical agendas/planners. Plan, plan, plan, but also let life happen in between, be flexible and adaptable – it’s okay!
~ The online version of this article has been updated and reflects a small change in wording compared to the print version.
