The Governor carries out different tasks and duties as part of his role.
The Governor receives people in audience (a formal meeting) almost daily. The Prime Minister comes by for an audience weekly, while the other ministers do so once a month. During their audience, they brief the Governor on developments in their policy areas. The Governor also receives ministers and administrators from the other countries of the Kingdom, as well as ambassadors and consuls. Representatives of government agencies, government companies, and private organizations also periodically come by for an audience. Individuals can also be received in audience by the Governor at their own request. For example, an author may request to present the first copy of a book to the Governor.
Various officials take the oath or make the declaration and promise to the Governor at the start of their term of office. This applies, for example, to ministers, members of Parliament, the Council of Advice, the General Audit Chamber, the Public Prosecution Service of Sint Maarten and judges of the Joint Court of Justice in Sint Maarten.
The Governor of Sint Maarten consults periodically with the Governors of Aruba and Curaçao. The Governors inform each other about current topics in their countries. They also discuss matters in the interest of the Kingdom. The three Governors also consult at least twice a year with the Minister or State Secretary of Interior and Kingdom Relations regarding Kingdom affairs.
The Cabinet of the Governor of Sint Maarten organizes a naturalization ceremony several times a year. This ceremony is the final part of a long process to become a Dutch citizen. During the ceremony, the new Dutch citizens take the oath or make the declaration and promise before the Governor.
On the second Tuesday of September, the Governor opens the parliamentary year. During this solemn meeting in Parliament, he outlines the government’s key priorities and plans for the coming year. This speech is called the Governor’s Address. The Prime Minister is ultimately responsible for the content of the speech.
Once every three months the Governor invites all ministers of Sint Maarten for a joint consultation. During this meeting the Governor and ministers discuss current topics that are important for the role of the Governor and for general government policy.
The Governor periodically presents Royal Decorations and Honours. Residents of Sint Maarten who have made a special contribution to society can be nominated to the Decoration Committee of Sint Maarten. This committee looks at the proposals and gives advice. With approval from the Council of Ministers and advice from the Governor, the proposal is sent to the Civil Honours Council in The Hague. The Council then prepares the Royal Decree in which the Decorations and Honours are awarded.
Traditionally, Royal Decorations and Honours are presented on His Majesty King Willem-Alexander's birthday. This is known as the General Occasion.
The Governor is chairman of the Council of Advice. He may convene a meeting of the Council if he deems this necessary. If he attends a meeting, he chairs the meeting and may give advice. He then has an advisory vote. The day-to-day management of the Council rests with the vice-chairman of the Council of Advice. The Governor consults regularly with the Council of Advice.
The Governor pays work visits to companies or institutions in Sint Maarten, either by invitation or on his own initiative. He then gathers information to get a clear picture of a particular situation. The Governor also pays official visits to other parts of the Kingdom. For example, for the celebration of national holidays like Flag Day, or for the attendance of the King’s Speech during the State Opening of Parliament (Prinsjesdag) in The Hague. The Governor also regularly visits the King, Dutch ministers and other institutions relevant to the country.
Honorary positions
The Governor of Sint Maarten can assume the role of patron of social organizations. This means that he supports the organizations and helps them gain more attention for their work. He is not involved in day-to-day management. His role is primarily symbolic. Through his support, he demonstrates that the goals of these organizations are important to society. As a result, they receive more recognition and support.