On Kingdom Day, Monday December 15th 2014, forty nine (49) persons took the pledge of allegiance in front of Acting Governor His Excellency Reynold A. Groeneveldt during the festive naturalization Ceremony which took place at The Westin, Oysterpond. The pledge of allegiance, as being expressed in either taking an oath or making a promise, is the final mandatory step in the process of obtaining the Dutch nationality.
Naturalization is a legal process under the Dutch Kingdom Law whereby a person may be granted Dutch Citizenship. The Acting Governor, addressing the gathering, emphasized the significance of the ceremony and urged all those obtaining the Dutch nationality “to strive to become true Sint Maarteners by respecting our national symbols such as the flag, by acquainting yourselves with and respecting the social, cultural norms and traditions of our country and to make meaningful contributions towards the further development and growth for a stronger Sint Maarten.”
The naturalization ceremony consisted of one session, including several children who became Dutch Citizens. Each of the participants received the Royal Decree which confirmed their Dutch nationality. At the end of the ceremony, Acting Governor Groeneveldt personally congratulated each of the participants who had obtained their Dutch nationality. The naturalization ceremony was completed with the posing for a group picture as a special memory to an extraordinary day.