On October 10, 2025 Sint Maarten marked fifteen years as an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. To commemorate this occasion, the Council of Advice presents a retrospective reflection on the journey so far. From building key institutions and safeguarding integrity to navigating financial pressures and political turbulence, this piece tells the story of a young country striving for progress from the perspective of one of its independent High Councils of State. It also explores urgent questions such as how to balance autonomy with accountability and what sustainable governance should look like in the decade ahead.
Readers are encouraged to read the full reflection in English or in Dutch and discover some of the insights that matter for Sint Maarten’s future.”
