The SER and the CESC are strengthening their institutional cooperation

Following an initial meeting in December 2025, this latest meeting confirms the two institutions’ commitment to establishing a long-term partnership. During the discussions, Gérard Richardson outlined the current situation at the SER, which is awaiting the appointment of its board of directors and the adoption of a new law governing the process for appointing representatives of employers’ and employees’ organisations. This legislation aims to establish clear, transparent and objective criteria for the selection and appointment of representatives from the private sector and trade unions. For her part, Ms Ida Zin-Ka-Ieu reaffirmed the CESC’s commitment to supporting the SER and strengthening ties between the two institutions. She highlighted the CESC’s role as the fourth institutional pillar of Saint Martin, representing civil society and playing a key role in participatory democracy. 

Comprising 23 members from professional, trade union, community and citizens’ organisations, the CESC contributes to the economic, social and cultural development of Saint-Martin and ensures a wide diversity of viewpoints in its advisory work on the northern part of the island. At the end of the meeting, the two organisations confirmed their commitment to working together on issues of common concern to Sint Maarten and Saint Martin. The secretariats of the SER and the CESC agreed, in particular, to prepare a joint report for the Collectivité of Saint-Martin and the Government of Sint Maarten, with a view to identifying the challenges, opportunities and avenues for cross-border cooperation for the benefit of the populations of both territories.