New Dutch Citizens during Naturalization Ceremony
- jun 28, 2013
Dawn Beach – On Friday June 28th, 2013, ninety four (94) new Dutch Citizens 29 of whom are born on Sint Maarten, 55 of whom are female and 39 are male, took the pledge of allegiance before His Excellency Governor Eugene B. Holiday during the naturalization Ceremony which took place at The Westin Dawn Beach Resort and Spa. The pledge of allegiance, as is expressed when either taking an oath or making a promise, is the final mandatory step in the process of obtaining the Dutch nationality.
Governor Holiday addressing the gathering emphasized: “In the context of the St. Maarten community naturalization is the start of a new chapter in your life. For those of you who were born here or came here at a young age St. Maarten may be all you know and this day will be a formalization of your relation with the St. Maarten Community. For the older ones among you, today is a validation of your decision to make Sint Maarten your home. For all of you it is truly a new beginning and it is my hope that it will be a journey of growth towards a stronger St. Maarten.”
After the ceremony, Governor Holiday congratulated the new citizens who had obtained their Dutch nationality in a more personal way during a reception.