Governor Holiday in addressing the gathering, explained that naturalization or option is a legal process under the Dutch  Kingdom  Law whereby a person may be granted Dutch Citizenship. Obtaining the Dutch nationality, through naturalization or option, is a defining and special moment in a person’s life. A moment following a long legal and administrative process. A process of meeting a number of statutory requirements, including those related to residency, parental ties, "good conduct"; a process of demonstrating an attachment to the social and cultural values of Sint Maarten and a process of proving knowledge of the constitutional principles upon which the Dutch Kingdom and St. Maarten is based.

Stating that the 446 persons come from 22 different nationalities with varying backgrounds, Governor Holiday addressing the gathering emphasized:  “As you leave the ceremony, you  will all leave this room with one common nationality and one common bond: you will be Dutch Citizens. Thus it is – in the context of our Sint Maarten community – my hope that your citizenship transformation will result in the embrace of the social and cultural customs and traditions of your new country. It is my hope for each of you that your citizenship transformation will be a multi-dimensional journey of individual and broader societal growth towards a stronger St. Maarten.” As a result Governor Holiday advised the new citizens as they begin this journey: to respect and hold dear the St. Maarten Song, oh Sweet St. Maarten land, to salute the St. Maarten Flag, to observe and celebrate St. Maarten’s day, to acquaint themselves with St. Maarten’s history and customs; and to seek to serve their new country.

The naturalization ceremony consisted of three separate sessions, one of which was especially arranged for the children who became Dutch Citizens. Each of the participants received the Royal Decree which confirmed their Dutch nationality. At the end of each ceremony, Governor Holiday congratulated  all participants who had obtained their Dutch nationality. The naturalization ceremony was completed with the posing for a group picture as a special memory of an extraordinary day.

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten