How do I become an Island Council Member?

Becoming an Island Council member is an opportunity to actively participate in shaping the policies and initiatives that affect Sint Eustatius. Fortunately, this role is not a full-time position, allowing individuals the flexibility to maintain their jobs while contributing to local governance. By becoming a member, you can ensure your voice is heard and play a meaningful role in decision-making processes.

Who can become an Island Council Member?

To be eligible for election as an Island Council member, a candidate must meet certain requirements:

  1. Age and Voting Rights:
    • The candidate must be at least eighteen years old.
    • The candidate must not be excluded from the right to vote.
  2. Residency Requirements:
    • Candidates must reside on Sint Eustatius.
    • Non-Dutch nationals can also join the Island Council, provided they have lived on the island for at least five consecutive years.

How to Get Elected

The most common way to become an Island Council Member is by registering with a political group on Sint Eustatius. These groups participate in the general election, and successful candidates are elected to the Island Council.

Important Considerations

Some roles are incompatible with being an Island Council Member. For example, you cannot serve as a civil servant while holding a seat on the Council. To maintain transparency, all Council members must publicly disclose any jobs or roles they hold.