The Islands Regulation of the Netherlands Antilles establishes the number of Island Council members for each respective Island Territory in the Netherlands Antilles.

A person can be elected to the Island Council if the person is of Dutch nationality, is 21 years of age, is a registered citizen in the respective Island Territory and is not disqualified from participating in an election, through a court verdict.

The Island Council is the highest administrative entity of the Island Government. Island Council members are elected for a term of four years. Before assuming their duties, Island Council members are required to take the oath of office, by making a "declaration" or "affirmation" to the chairperson of the council.

The Island Council of St. Maarten consists of 11 members. These members are elected during Island Council elections held every four years. The Island Council represents the total population of St. Maarten and those elected must fulfill all requirements as they are stated in the constitution of the Country.

Once sworn into office, the Island Council member is authorized to make legislations and decisions in governing the Island Territory. This duty becomes most evident to the general public, during public Island Council meetings, which are usually broadcast live through local media.

The role of the Lt. Governor during Island Council meetings is that of Chairman, his tasks as Chairman of the Island Council are established by Island Ordinance in the Rules of Order of the Island Council of the Island Territory of St. Maarten.

The current Sint Maarten Island Council is represented by two parties and two independent factions.

These are:

The National Alliance party led by Council member William Marlin.

The Democratic Party led by Councillady Sarah Wescot-Williams.

Independent Council member Theodore Heyliger.

Independent Council member Louie Laveist.

The present Island Council of the Island Territory of St. Maarten is comprised of the following persons:

The Lt. Governor / Chairman of the Island Council

Franklyn E. Richards

The National Alliance Faction (NA)

William Marlin, Frans Richardson, Hyacinth Richardson, Rudolphe Samuel,George Pantophlet

Democraric Party Faction (DP)

Sarah Wescot-Williams, Roy Marlin, Maria Buncamper-Molanus, Petrus de Weever

 Independent Faction

Theodore Heyliger

Independent Faction

Louie Laveist