About Us

We are affiliated with the Leiden University Chair for Kingdom Relations on Democratic Representation. From the Netherlands, Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten, we conduct in-depth, independent, and society-oriented research on the quality of democratic representation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Our research activities are organized around four pillars:
(1) the nature of politics and democracy on the Caribbean islands;
(2) the way in which these islands are democratically represented within the Kingdom;
(3) how residents of the European Netherlands perceive Kingdom Relations; and
(4) comparative research into other non-sovereign territories in the Caribbean and beyond.

Our team of research assistants in Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten works together with local partners to map citizen representation, the challenges within the democratic process, and the position of the islands within the Kingdom. In addition, we strengthen collaboration with universities and researchers on the islands and develop new educational initiatives on Kingdom Relations for both the Caribbean part of the Kingdom and the European Netherlands.

We believe that all citizens should make their voices heard, be able to shape their future, and make a difference in the world.

Empower
Growth

Prof. Dr. Wouter Veenendaal

Wouter Veenendaal is by special-appointment professor of Kingdom Relations and an associate professor of political science at Leiden University. His research focuses on the relationship between population size and democracy, with a particular emphasis on small states and territories, including the Caribbean islands within the Kingdom.

Our Mission

Leandra Leslie-Cyntje

Leandra Leslie-Cyntje is an experienced public administration professional. She holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Leiden University and has extensive expertise in governance, policy development, and data management. She is currently working as Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication on St. Maarten. With a strong background in legislative evaluation and digital transformation, Leandra has led multiple national projects focused on improving public systems and disaster management. She is passionate about advancing good governance, regional cooperation, and innovative policy solutions within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. For the Chair on Kingdom Relations, she is research assistant on St. Maarten, Saba, and St. Eustatius.

Council of Advisors

Sint Maarten

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Jon Doe

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Jon Doe

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Ghislaine Nicolaas

Ghislaine Nicolaas is the chief of staff to the Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Primary Sector of the Government of Aruba, she has more than 8 years of experience as a diplomat having worked at the Department of Foreign Affairs of Aruba on United Nations affairs, regional affairs and economic diplomacy. Having studied at the University of Aruba and the University of Geneva, her background is in the governance of international, regional and national organizations and institutions. As the research assistant to the Kingdom Relations Chair on Democratic Representation, she is beginning her academic career as a researcher and entering academia. Ghislaine is research assistant on Aruba and Bonaire for the Chair.

Council of Advisors

Aruba

Jon Doe

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Jon Doe

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Jon Doe

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Jon Doe

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Jon Doe

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Pamela Jimenez Ablanque

Pamela Jimenez Ablanque was born in Colombia and raised in Curaçao and New York. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in International Financial Management & Control from The Hague University of Applied Sciences in 2017 and her master’s degree in Accounting, Auditing & Control from Erasmus University Rotterdam in 2018. In 2024, Pamela founded Fundashon Wak Otro, which developed a mobile app that makes government decisions accessible and transparent to everyone, while simultaneously increasing public participation. Pamela is familiar with the principles of Deep Democracy, and she is also deployed on other research assignments and training activities through SRA-Caribbean. For the Chair on Kingdom Relations, she is research assistant on Curaçao and Bonaire.