ORANJESTAD, St. Eustatius – Twenty-four government professionals from St. Eustatius, Saba and Bonaire have completed a three-day training course on protocol and etiquette in Statia. The program was held from August 25 to 27 and included practical preparations for major official events on the island.
The training, organized by the Statia Government and delivered by The Hague-based Protocolbureau, covered subjects including official precedence, national symbols, forms of address, seating arrangements, diplomatic and business etiquette and the handling of dignitaries.
Participants also worked through practical scenarios. The final day included a case study focusing on Statia Day 2026 and the 250th anniversary of the First Salute.
The program concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between St. Eustatius and Saba. Island Governor Alida Francis signed on behalf of Statia, while Island Governor Jocelyn Levenstone represented Saba.
The agreement provides for closer cooperation between the two islands in areas including government communication, media relations, crisis communication and protocol. It also allows for joint training, professional exchanges and mutual assistance during major events and emergencies.
