The Final Declaration Agreement

This is the historical moment when the “Final Declaration” was publicized by Sarah Wescot - Williams, William Marlin and Gracita Arrindell, the joint political representation of the island-territory of Saint Martin. They had traveled to Holland, together with the island-territory of Curacao, who also opted for “Country within the Netherlands Kingdom” status. On November 2, 2006 the agreement on the terms of the Final Declaration of Country within the Kingdom was signed. This action in keeping with the adoption of the referendum of 2002 that was ratified by the island council of Saint Martin on December 2006. This was a joyous moment as well. Leader of the National Alliance, senator William Marlin, was also aware of the tremendous amount of work and responsibility that was involved. It was the beginning of a critically engaging and challenging journey. Three weeks later, when the Curacao island council rejected the agreement, it was the National Alliance leader, senator William Marlin again, who in the face of the PPA leader's, Gracita Arrindell, denouncement of what was agreed upon, had two vastly successful town hall meetings organized to explain the actual facts and implications of the agreement.

The following documentation can be obtained via Mrs. Joan Smart-Berkel or via a request in the comment box:
- Rapport Nu kan het, nu moet het.
- Slotverklaring van het bestuurlijk overleg over de toekomstige staatkundige positie van Curacao en Sint

Maarten. (There is an English draft translation of this document available for the English only readers)

(On November 2, 2006 the Final Declaration Agreement was signed by all parties of the Netherlands Kingdom)

NB.: I, hereby, recognize the generosity of Gregory Arrindell, who readily provided me with photos of November 2, 2006 two of which I used in the above article and I thank him very much.