Anyone can nominate a deserving person, including a family member, friend, neighbour, or colleague.
Royal Decorations
Royal Honours are a way to celebrate individuals who have made a special or exceptional contribution to our society. These awards are given to people from all walks of life who have shown long-term dedication to helping others and improving their community.
Who Can Be Nominated?
Think of:
- A teacher who always goes the extra mile for their students
- A business owner who gives back to the community
- A church volunteer who has served faithfully for many years
- A coach, caregiver, artist, or anyone else who has made a lasting difference
To be eligible, the person must:
- Have a clean criminal record
- Have contributed to society for 15 years or more, either through paid work or volunteering
- Have gone above and beyond what is normally expected in their role
Examples of Eligible Contributions
People who may qualify include:
- Volunteers active in sport, healthcare, culture, religion, or nature conservation
- Employees or entrepreneurs who have made outstanding contributions far beyond their job duties
- Citizens who have shown exceptional dedication to causes that benefit others
How the Nomination Process Works
On Sint Eustatius, nominations are handled by the Royal Decoration Committee. Once you submit your nomination:
- The Committee reviews it and forwards it with a recommendation to the Island Governor.
- The Governor then sends it to the Kingdom Representative based in Bonaire
- The Kingdom Representative forwards it with their advice to the Civil Honours Council in the European Netherlands.
- Based on all recommendations, the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations decides whether to grant the award.
- If approved, the Minister submits the nomination to His Majesty the King.
How to Nominate Someone
Nominations must be submitted using the official nomination form. Here's what you need:
- Download and complete the nomination form (available in English and Dutch)
- Secure three supporting letters from people who know the nominee well
- Submit everything by email to: royal.dec.comm@statiagov.com
- The deadline for submissions is 29 August 2025
Need Help?
If you need assistance with the process, feel free to contact any member of the Royal Decoration Committee:
- Maxine Spanner: +599 318 1666
- Beulah Simmons: +599 318 1632
- Rosabel Blake: +599 318 1133
Or email: royal.dec.comm@statiagov.com
Past Royal Decoration Recipients from Statia
Over the years, several residents of Sint Eustatius have been honoured with Royal Decorations for their exceptional contributions to society. These individuals have served their community with dedication in areas such as education, religion, public service, volunteer work, and social care.
Name | Order / Honour Type | Year |
---|---|---|
J.C.A. Woodley | RON | 2019 |
M.A. Fortin | LON | 2021 |
G.T. Hook-George | LON | 2021 |
M.I. Marsdin | RON | 2021 |
R.E. Merkman | LON | 2021 |
A.W. Robins-Carty | LON | 2021 |
F.E.A. Spanner | LON | 2021 |
B.I. Woodley | LON | 2021 |
R.V. Bass-Hassell | LON | 2021 |
P.D. Berkel | LON | 2022 |
I.M. Brown | LON | 2022 |
A.L. Cuvalay-Halbert | LON | 2022 |
A.C. Merkman | LON | 2022 |
E. Warner-Woodley | LON | 2022 |
Dr. G.O. Wodbura | LON | 2022 |
C.E. Bennett-Francis | LON | 2023 |
D.D. Humphreys | RON | 2024 |
Ulrike Clyde Michael Spanner | LON | 2025 |
LON = Lid in de Orde van Oranje-Nassau (Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau)
RON = Ridder in de Orde van Oranje-Nassau (Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau)
If you would like to recommend someone for this prestigious honour, please see the how to nominate someone section above.
Learn More
For full information about the Royal Decorations system, visit the official website: https://www.lintjes.nl