Dutch Antilles negotiations

The leader of Government in St Maarten said that negotiations leading toward the break-up of the Dutch Antilles are at a critical phase.



In a State of Affairs speech to the nation, Sarah Wescott Williams said difficulties remain over issues such as financial management and police administration.



The year 2010 has been floated as a possible date for constitutional change that would give Curaçao and St. Maarten their proposed autonomous position, as countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.



The other territories, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba, would be brought under direct Dutch rule.