Belle Plaine:--- The President of the Collectivity of St. Martin Alain Richardson and Prime Minister of St. Maarten Sarah Wescot Williams signed the official declaration of intent on the renewal of the Dutch driver's licenses for residents of the French side of the island. The renewal of the Dutch licenses will last until March 31st, 2013 while holders of the licenses have six months in which they must request that their Dutch license be exchanged for a French driver's license.
The declaration of intent is considered a matter of cooperation between the two sides of the island. Currently, there are more that 2000 persons that are being affected since the Dutch side amended its traffic ordinance which states that in order for someone to renew their driver's license they must be registered at the Census Office and they also need to provide proof of residence on the island.
On several occasions those affected held manifestations and called on elected officials to intervene and find a long term solution to the problem. Based on the resolution of November 15th, 2007 No 1078 of the Island Territory of St. Maarten expresses willingness of the government to establish an exemption for the category for French residents as outlined in the resolution.
