SINT MAARTEN — On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the Secretariat of Parliament hosted a stakeholder meeting in preparation for the Opening of the Parliamentary Year 2026-2027, scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
The meeting brought together representatives from various government departments and uniformed organizations, including the Cabinet of the Governor, the Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, the Military Detachment on Sint Maarten, the Sint Maarten Police Force, the Voluntary Corps Sint Maarten, the Coast Guard, the Royal Marechaussee, the Sint Maarten Youth Brigade, DCOMM, and the Department of Infrastructure of VROMI. It provided an opportunity for the Secretary General of Parliament and stakeholders to discuss the proceedings of the ceremonial opening of the new Parliamentary Year and ensure that all events proceed in an orderly and distinguished manner.
The Constitution of Sint Maarten stipulates that the Parliamentary Year is opened on the second Tuesday of September by the President of Parliament during a Solemn Public meeting of Parliament. During this Solemn Public meeting, His Excellency the Governor delivers an address outlining the Government’s policy priorities and agenda to be pursued by the Government.
The ceremony is preceded by the formation of a Guard of Honour in front of the House of Parliament on Wilhelminastraat. Upon arrival, His Excellency the Governor inspects the Guard of Honour before proceeding to the Solemn Public meeting.
The public, schools and businesses are encouraged to tune in to the live commentary of the Opening Ceremony followed by the live broadcast of the Solemn Public meeting of the new Parliamentary Year 2026-2027 on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, beginning at 9:00 hrs.
