SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Board of Directors of the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry (COCI) has taken a significant step toward modernizing its electoral process by submitting a proposed National Decree Containing General Measures (LBHAM) governing the implementation of an electronic voting system to the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT), the Honorable Mrs. Grisha Heyliger-Marten.
The proposed legislative framework is intended to strengthen the democratic participation rights of registered businesses, enhance transparency in electoral processes, and promote the principles of good governance, accountability, and equal access.
This landmark initiative represents an important milestone in COCI's development and demonstrates its growing capacity to contribute to the legislative and policy framework that supports the business community of Sint Maarten.
This proposal follows the draft amendments to the National Ordinance on the Establishment and Organization of the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry (AB 2013, GT No. 618).
The proposed amendments provide the legal basis for extending voting hours until 3:30 p.m. and introduce an electronic voting system, while the implementation procedures, responsibilities, and operational requirements are to be regulated through a proposed National Decree Containing General Measures (LBHAM).
The proposal is the result of COCI's strategic investment in expanding its policy division. Through this expansion, COCI has strengthened its capacity to conduct legislative research, develop policy solutions, and support national efforts aimed at improving business services, governance, and institutional effectiveness.
The primary objective of the proposed legislation is to provide the business community with a more transparent, efficient, accessible, and user-friendly electoral process that accommodates the demanding schedules of business owners.
By embracing modern technology and digital solutions, COCI seeks to remove barriers to participation while increasing confidence in the integrity and administration of its elections. Electronic voting has become an international best practice for institutions seeking to improve accessibility, increase voter participation, and strengthen operational efficiency.
The proposed legislation is designed to ensure that these benefits are introduced while maintaining appropriate oversight, accountability, legal safeguards, and transparency throughout the electoral process.
During the official submittance ceremony with the Honorable Minister Heyliger – Marten, Ms. Nzinga Lake, Board Member of COCI, emphasized the importance of expanding participation within the business community expressing that the "Modernizing our electoral process means empowering more businesses to participate, strengthening transparency, and ensuring every eligible voice has an opportunity to be heard." These sentiments were echoed by Mrs. Annuska Friday, Board Member of COCI, who also highlighted the broader governance benefits of digital transformation, stating "Digital transformation is not just about technology; it is about building trust, strengthening good governance, and creating a more efficient and accessible Chamber."
These principles have been consistently championed by the sitting Board throughout its term under the leadership of President Ms. Tamara Leonard. The Board took decisive action by initiating and advancing this proposed legislation to the Honorable Minister of TEATT, thereby translating vision into tangible reform for the benefit of the business community.
COCI recognizes that the successful enactment of these legal reforms will require strong collaboration among Government, Parliament, and the private sector. COCI therefore calls for a close public-private partnership to support an efficient legislative process that advances the interests of the business community.
Such cooperation is essential to empowering the rights of businesses and ensuring that Sint Maarten's legal framework remains aligned with current technological developments.
COCI believes that modernization of its electoral system will contribute to stronger democratic participation within the business sector and support the country's broader economic development objectives.
The proposed reforms are also aligned with the Government of Sint Maarten's commitment to transparency and digital innovation as reflected in the Digital Government Transformation Project (DGTP). In addition to modernizing services and processes, the implementation of the proposed legislation may create opportunities in compliance, auditing, data oversight, administration, and governance functions.
Electronic voting systems will be selected through open and fair procurement processes to ensure accountability, reliability, and compliance with established standards.
COCI further emphasizes that the Minister of TEATT will exercise important responsibilities under the proposed National Decree and looks forward to working closely with the Minister and the Ministry throughout the legislative process.
This collaboration reflects COCI's continued commitment to serving the interests of the business community through constructive engagement with Government and the development of practical solutions that strengthen governance and service delivery.
By advancing its first proposed National Decree Containing General Measures (LBHAM) governing the implementation, regulation, and administration of an electronic voting system, COCI reaffirms its commitment to modernization, transparency, innovation, and good governance in service of the business community.
COCI remains dedicated to working collaboratively with Government, Parliament, and stakeholders throughout the legislative process to ensure that the business community benefits from a modern, secure, efficient, and accessible electoral system that reflects the realities of today's digital age.
