PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina says Sint Maarten must redefine its relationship with the Kingdom of the Netherlands, calling for a new model based on mutual respect, equality, and co-ownership rather than dependency or token participation.
“We have to base our Kingdom relationship not on similarities, but on differences,” Mercelina said. “If we acknowledge that we are different people, living in different conditions, that will make a totally different dynamic.”
Speaking passionately during the weekly Council of Ministers press briefing, the Prime Minister outlined his vision for a “second chance” for Sint Maarten within the Kingdom, where collaboration would be built on shared responsibility.
“I don’t want Sint Maarten to remain just a stakeholder with a passport,” he said. “I want to feel that we are co-owners of the Kingdom.”
Examples of Co-Ownership
Mercelina illustrated the idea with practical examples.
“Why can’t we have university faculties from Dutch universities located in Sint Maarten, Curaçao, or Aruba?” he asked. “That wouldn’t be to help my people—it would be to strengthen the Kingdom. A student from Groningen could start a year in Sint Maarten, and my John could start a year in Groningen. Both would wake up feeling proud to belong to one Kingdom.”
He also proposed that the Dutch Navy base in Sint Maarten be transformed into a Kingdom-wide educational and training center, providing discipline and employment for young people.
“Let our young people wear two flags on their sleeves—one for Sint Maarten and one for the Kingdom,” he said. “That is what co-ownership looks like.”
Equality Across the Kingdom
Mercelina urged that education, healthcare, and justice across the Kingdom be raised to equal standards.
“The King should be able to look at his Kingdom and say: my people, wherever they live, have access to the same quality of healthcare, education, and justice,” he said. “That is equality.”
While emphasizing that Sint Maarten remains autonomous, he insisted that partnership—not isolation—is key to progress.
“Even the biggest nations seek alliances,” he said. “It’s logical that a small country like ours should stop pretending we can do it alone.”
Mercelina said he is willing to initiate dialogue on redefining the Kingdom relationship but stressed it would be a long-term process requiring parliamentary and public support.
“A mindset change takes time,” he said. “But I am ready to start this evolution in our relationship within the Kingdom.”