Month: October 2022

Do you wish to be on the board of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry St Eustatius and Saba for the next three years? Or would you like to nominate a candidate?

From November 1st to November 14th, 2022 the nominations can be submitted at your local Chamber of Commerce.

Who is eligible for a board position?

Anyone who represents a legal entity that is registered at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry St Eustatius and Saba, with the exception of foundations and associations, can be nominated for board membership. You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid residency in St Eustatius or Saba for the past two years. Acting board members can be re-elected up to three times.

Candidates must represent one of the following entities:

• N.V. (limited liability company)
• B.V. (private liability company)
• Proprietorship
• V.O.F. (general partnership)
• C.V. (limited partnership)

What it takes to be a board member

A good candidate should have an interest in the economic situation on the islands. You want to help strengthen the business community and have a drive to make a difference. You are willing to invest 2 to 3 hours per week in your board member position. As president and vice-president, you will most likely spend double that amount of time. You are expected to attend and actively participate in the board meetings that take place once per month. A candidate must be fluent in the English language (Dutch is preferable but not necessary).

It’s a great advantage if you already have any board experience and understand the difference between the tasks of a board and the tasks of the director. The board sets the vision and mission and makes decisions (and advises) on policy, priorities, goals and budgets. The director and employees are responsible for the daily operations of the Chamber and executing the tasks that follow from the before mentioned vision and direction set by the board. 

What’s in it for you?

A board position will definitely expand your personal and professional network and business knowledge. Being closer involved with the local and regional business community and on a different level will most likely help grow your own business too. Last but not least: a board position looks great on your resume! 

Who is eligible to vote and to nominate?

Representatives of all legal entities registered in the local Chamber of Commerce registry, except of foundations and associations, as listed above.

How to nominate a candidate?

As of October 15th, you can pick up the necessary declaration forms during office opening hours at the Chamber of Commerce offices in Sint Eustatius and Saba. Then, from November 1st to November 14th, these completed nominations can be submitted at the one of the Chamber of Commerce offices.

Documents to be submitted are:

• A declaration signed by at least five (5) voters who are qualified to participate in the election.
• A written statement from the candidate, that he/she is willing to accept a candidacy. Each statement may only contain the name of one candidate.
• An extract from the population register (census office) showing that the candidate has been resident of Statia or Saba for the past two years.

What happens after November 14th?

An election committee will review all declarations and verify if the candidates meet the legal requirements. When the final list of candidates has been made public, the election date will be announced on which eligible voters have the opportunity to elect the new members for the Board of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry St Eustatius and Saba.

We will keep you informed during the whole process.

Declaration forms available now

The forms for the nomination of candidates and for the written declaration referred to above are available as of October 15th, 2022, during office opening hours at the Chamber of Commerce offices in Sint Eustatius and Saba.

More information

For further information please contact the Chamber of Commerce St. Eustatius and Saba by telephone 318-3332 (Statia) / 416-2554 (Saba) or by e-mail to: director@statiasabachamber.com.

This nomination process is in accordance with the provisions of art. 5 and 6 of the Electoral Decree of Chambers of Commerce and Industry BES (Dutch version). 

See here who the current Board members of the Chamber of Commerce St Eustatius and Saba are.