GREAT BAY--On Tuesday June 23, 2026, the third naturalization ceremonies of 2026 were held at the Cabinet of the Governor of St. Maarten. During two separate ceremonies, a total of 84 individuals took the declaration of allegiance before the Governor of St. Maarten, His Excellency Mr. Ajamu G. Baly, and in so doing formally obtained their Dutch citizenship.
The newly declared Dutch citizens represent 18 different nationalities across the community of St. Maarten. The youngest was 6 years and the oldest was 83 years. In his address to the attendees, Governor Baly emphasized the significance of Dutch nationality and highlighted the core values of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and St. Maarten.
He also pointed out the rights and responsibilities that accompany citizenship and the connection with the St. Maarten community and the Kingdom. He emphasized the importance of and urged the individuals who obtained Dutch nationality to embody the Friendly Island spirit in their daily lives and participate in the national celebrations like Emancipation Day on July 1st and St. Maarten Day on November 11th.
Dutch nationality can be acquired in several ways, that is automatically at birth if at least one parent is Dutch, through adoption or acknowledgment, or through formal procedures such as the option or naturalization process. These procedures are governed by stringent requirements under the Kingdom Act on Dutch Nationality.
To honor the importance of the completion of this important milestone, the Governor’s Cabinet organizes naturalization ceremonies for all individuals who obtain Dutch nationality through the option or naturalization procedure. Attendance at the naturalization ceremony is mandatory and must be done within one year the decision being rendered.
These ceremonies take place across the Dutch Kingdom. By publicly marking this milestone, the Cabinet wishes to promote awareness and understanding of the process regarding acquiring Dutch citizenship.
