Four lines of research

The primary aim of the chair is to safeguard and expand academic research on the Kingdom and Kingdom relations. This is done on the basis of four lines of research: 1) the character of politics and democracy on the Caribbean islands in the Kingdom itself; 2) the democratic representation of the Caribbean islands in the Kingdom; 3) the perception of Kingdom relations in the European Netherlands; and 4) comparative research on other non-sovereign territories in the Caribbean and worldwide.

Cooperation with universities and scholars in the Caribbean islands

The second goal of the chair is to strengthen research and education cooperation with universities and scholars in the Caribbean islands. The chair has therefore established new collaborations with universities on Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten. In addition, the chair will develop new educational initiatives on Kingdom Relations, both for people on the Caribbean islands and in the European Netherlands.

Research assistants

On Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten, a research assistant has been recruited to assist with the preparation and execution of research work and to act as a bridge between these islands and the chair holder. The research assistants will also set up a network and organize public lectures, seminars and workshops on the islands.

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.

Pamela Jimenez Ablanque

amela 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.

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.

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