Denzel Troy Alfonso Washington
PHILIPSBURG--Members of Parliament (MPs) Lyndon Lewis and Sjamira Roseburg have congratulated St Maarten’s own Denzel Troy Alfonso Washington on earning a Master of Laws (LLM) in Tax Law from the University of Amsterdam.
In separate press releases, both MPs highlighting the importance of his achievement and the value of qualified professionals returning home.
Washington, son of the late Troy Washington, is returning to St Maarten to begin his professional career as a tax lawyer at BDO Dutch Caribbean, following two and a half years of professional experience at Deloitte.
Lewis, chairman of Parliament’s Justice Committee, praised Washington’s dedication to academic excellence and professional development, while Roseburg said his achievement demonstrates to young people that they, too, can pursue advanced education and contribute to the country’s development.
“Mr. Washington’s accomplishment reflects years of discipline, determination, and commitment to personal and professional development. I congratulate him on this significant milestone and wish him continued success as he works toward completing his second master’s degree,” Lewis stated in his release.
Washington previously earned a bachelor’s degree in Tax Law from Erasmus University Rotterdam. He is also completing a second master’s degree in International Technology Law, which he expects to finish in December.
Alongside congratulating Washington, Roseburg highlighted the significance of his achievement for representation and the development of local expertise. “This moment is bigger than one diploma. Representation matters,” Roseburg stated in her release.
She said Washington’s accomplishment shows young people on Sint Maarten that they can pursue advanced qualifications and contribute to areas where complex, high-level decisions are made. She added that the country needs its own tax specialists because taxation affects the funding of schools, hospitals, roads and the social safety net, as well as how the tax burden is distributed among families and small businesses.
Roseburg also pointed to her work in Parliament advocating for a dedicated pool of legislative lawyers for revenue legislation, arguing that effective tax law requires professionals who understand both the law and the community it serves. “Sons and daughters of the soil like Denzel are exactly who we need,” she stated.
Lewis also stressed the importance of qualified professionals bringing their international experience back to St Maarten to strengthen local institutions, businesses and professional services. “It is particularly encouraging to see Mr. Washington return to Sint Maarten to apply his skills and build his career. Our country benefits when talented professionals bring their experience home and help address the needs of our community. His decision is a meaningful investment in Sint Maarten’s future,” Lewis said.
As chairman of the Justice Committee, Lewis further highlighted the importance of developing expertise in specialised areas of law, including taxation and technology, as legal and business environments continue to evolve.
“Denzel’s journey offers encouragement to others pursuing their education and professional ambitions. His achievement demonstrates what sustained effort can accomplish, and his return reminds us of the opportunities available to make a valuable contribution here at home,” Lewis added.
Roseburg also encouraged students to invest in their education, gain knowledge and experience, and bring those skills home to help build the country. “To every student on Sint Maarten: look at this and believe it is possible for you. The road is hard, but it leads somewhere. Invest in yourself, go out and learn from the best, and bring that knowledge home to build our nation,” she stated.
Both MPs extended their congratulations and best wishes to Washington as he begins his career at BDO Dutch Caribbean and completes his second master’s degree.
