Advancing Digital Government Transformation in Sint Maarten

Summary

Since 2022, the Government of Sint Maarten has been enhancing public service accessibility and resilience through the Digital Government Transformation Project (DGTP). Led by the partnership between National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) and Digital Leadership Team (DLT), the DGTP aims to reshape government service delivery by integrating digital channels to meet the demands of citizens and businesses. Funded by the Sint Maarten Trust Fund – supported by the Government of the Netherlands and managed by the World Bank – the DGTP brings together key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication, Ministry of General Affairs, Ministry of Justice, and core registries across the public sector.

Details

Aim

Establishing a robust digital framework that meets the demands of the 21st century in safety, resilience, and transparency is essential to improving government-wide efficiency, strengthening public trust, and supporting long-term disaster resilience.

To address Sint Maarten’s challenges in building a resilient, citizen-centered digital government, the DGTP has designed a comprehensive approach with approximately 33 targeted activities at its core. These activities focus on establishing a robust foundation that delivers essential and supportive digital solutions, backed up with necessary legal and policy reforms, infrastructure development, and capacity-building efforts for public sector employees and citizens.

Context

Sint Maarten, like many Caribbean countries, faces challenges due to its heightened vulnerability to natural disasters. Located in the hurricane belt, it is prone to extreme weather events, including high winds, flooding, and earthquakes. The devastating impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 underscored the critical need for resilient digital infrastructure to ensure continuity of government services during crises. This experience has accelerated Sint Maarten’s pursuit of a digital transformation that not only enhances service delivery but also builds resilience and operational continuity in the face of emergencies.

To realize this vision, Sint Maarten’s public sector must overcome several common transitional challenges:

• Outdated or absent legal frameworks for digital operations

• Limited digital skills

• Analog business processes

• Complex administrative procedures

Outcomes

Core Benefits:

• Digital Services and Data Interoperability

• Digital Identity and E-Signature

• Legislative and Strategic Frameworks

• Enhanced Digital Competences