“Representation Matters”: MP Sjamira Roseburg celebrates Carmelia's historic career milestone

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament and attorney Sjamira Roseburg has described the appointment of Sigmar Carmelia as President of the Joint Court of Justice as an important moment of representation for the Dutch Caribbean, saying his rise to the highest leadership position within the regional court sends a powerful message to young people across the six islands.

Roseburg attended Carmelia's official installation ceremony in Curaçao on Friday, October 16, an occasion she described as a personal full-circle moment, having also been present when he was first sworn in as a judge in 2014.

“I was in the room when Sigmar Carmelia became a judge, and I could not miss the moment he became President,” Roseburg said. “I am so proud. As one of the speakers so aptly put it, this is a real Obama moment for our Joint Court.”

Carmelia, who has served as a member of the Joint Court since 2014, now leads the judicial institution responsible for administering justice in St. Maarten, Curaçao, Aruba, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.

For Roseburg, the significance of his presidency extends beyond the appointment itself. She believes his professional journey demonstrates that young Caribbean people can reach the highest levels of the institutions serving their communities through education, discipline and perseverance.

“Representation matters,” she said. “When a child in Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius or Saba looks at the head of our highest court and sees someone who looks like them, the impossible becomes possible.”

Roseburg also emphasized that Carmelia's achievement was earned through years of dedication to the legal profession.

“Mr. Carmelia is there because of hard work: the study, the discipline, the fairness and never giving up,” she said. “His colleagues chose him because he earned it, and that is exactly why his story matters so much for our young people.”

The MP reflected on Carmelia's installation address, particularly his acknowledgment of the role families play in supporting the professional achievements of their loved ones.

She said his remarks about personal sacrifices and family support were among the most meaningful parts of the ceremony.

“Behind every robe and every gavel there are parents, partners and children who gave something up so that one person could rise. President Carmelia reminded us that no one gets there alone. That is a lesson for all of us,” Roseburg said.

Drawing on her own experience as an attorney, Roseburg also praised Carmelia's judicial temperament, describing him as a composed and thoughtful professional who treats people appearing before the court with dignity.

“Those who know him know his calm and steady presence. He listens carefully, he stays composed under pressure and he treats every person in his courtroom with dignity and respect. That calmness is not weakness; it is strength,” she said.

“At a time when our institutions need trust and stability, the Joint Court is in thoughtful, fair and steady hands.”

Roseburg used the occasion to deliver a message directly to young people throughout the Dutch Caribbean, urging them not to allow their circumstances or island of origin to limit their ambitions.

“To every child: this can be you. It does not matter which island you were born on or how much your family had. Keep dreaming. Keep studying. Keep going,” she said.

She concluded by wishing Carmelia wisdom, strength and success as he assumes responsibility for leading the Joint Court and upholding the rule of law throughout the Dutch Caribbean.

For Roseburg, witnessing his journey from his swearing-in as a judge in 2014 to his installation as Court President in 2026 reinforced her belief in the importance of Caribbean representation, professional excellence and creating opportunities for the next generation.