During its first biannual extraordinary meeting with His Excellency Governor E.B. Holiday on June 8th 2017, the Council of Advice launched a new and revamped website for the general public. The Governor is the constitutional chair of the Council of Advice, and in this capacity has an advisory function. In the course of this gathering, not only did His Excellency have the honor of launching the revamped website but in addition, various relevant topics pertaining to Country Sint Maarten were discussed.
The revamped website now boasts an up to date list of draft legislation and other imperative issues that have been submitted to the Council for advice over the years, as well as an overview of the advices rendered by the Council that have been published in accordance with the law. Visitors to the website can now track advice requests submitted to the Council from the time of arrival up to and until an advice has been rendered. In addition, an English version of the website is now also accessible. While a limited amount of advices have been translated from their original Dutch text, the site does include English summaries. Other features include extensive profiles of the Council members and a search option that enables visitors to the website to search for specific advices or draft legislation submitted to the Council for vetting.
The Council in its task as High Council of State and final advisor to Government and Parliament in legislative matters strives to strengthen democracy and is certain that its new website reinforces this by promoting transparency and good governance and stimulating active citizenry.
The website of the Council of Advice, that has now been optimized for tablets and smartphones, can be accessed via www.councilofadvicesxm.com.