15 years of autonomy focus of Governor's 2025 symposium

GREAT BAY--The Governor of Sint Maarten, His Excellency Ajamu G. Baly, has officially installed the Organizing Committee for the 2025 Governor’s Symposium. This year’s committee includes Mr. Garrick Richardson (Chair), Ms. Cassandra Jansen, Ms. Withney Murray, Mr. Emilio Kalmera, Mr. Jessey Salomon, Ms. Melanie Choisy, and Mrs. Arienne Lindeijer (Aide-de-Camp to the Governor).

The 2025 Governor’s Symposium holds historic significance as it commemorates the 15th anniversary of Sint Maarten attaining country status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Unlike previous years, the symposium will be held in October instead of June to coincide with the exact anniversary date, offering a unique opportunity for national reflection and forward-looking dialogue. The Organizing Committee aims to ensure broad representation, incorporating the voices of both the youth and seasoned contributors to Sint Maarten’s development.

The symposium will be held under the theme:

“15 Years of Constitutional Autonomy: Achievements, Lessons, and Prospects.”

It is scheduled for Friday, October 10, 2025, at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) auditorium in Cupecoy.

The Governor’s Symposium is an annual initiative by the Governor of Sint Maarten that promotes dialogue, innovation, and collaboration on matters central to national development. The symposium provides a platform for invited stakeholders—from government, civil society, and the private sector—to engage in focused, impactful discussions.

This year’s edition will not only highlight past achievements but will also serve as a critical moment to assess Sint Maarten’s progress as a self-governing country and explore its future trajectory.

Due to limited capacity, the symposium is by invitation only. Individuals interested in attending must submit a personal request via email to kabinet@kabgsxm.com or through the Governor’s Facebook page by Wednesday, August 13, 2025. From the submissions, thirty (30) individuals will be selected and formally invited.

Those who cannot attend in person will be able to follow the livestream, available from 08:30 AM on Friday, October 10, 2025, via the Governor’s official social media channels.

Further updates will be shared as preparations continue.

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