DEJONG opens new law office on Bonaire

Following the establishment of its office on Saba in 2023 and the opening of its St. Maarten branch on Front Street in Philipsburg in 2024, law practice and consultancy DEJONG opened its Bonaire office in February.

With its presence on Bonaire, DEJONG further strengthens its physical presence across the BES islands: Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. For our firm, this marks not only an important step in our continued growth, but also a reaffirmation of our commitment to being present, accessible and connected to the communities we serve.

The opening of the Bonaire office was formally celebrated during a private gathering on Friday, October 31, with family, colleagues, partners and distinguished guests. Among those present were His Excellency John Soliano, Island Governor of Bonaire; Commissioner Clark Abraham; Judge Jacques Keltjens; and Mr. Etienne van der Horst, former Minister of Government, Planning and Service of Curaçao and former Director of Spatial Planning on Bonaire.

The keynote address was delivered by the Honorable Herbert F. Domacassé, former Island Governor of Bonaire.

A PROMISE OF PRESENCE

Opening remarks were delivered by Ms. Angeline Laurence, who reflected on DEJONG’s development since 2023 and the firm’s work across small island communities.

“This law office, like those before it, Saba and St. Maarten, is more than just a space. It represents a promise — a promise of fairness, of advocacy, and of commitment to the people we serve,” she said.

Her remarks captured the spirit behind DEJONG’s expansion: a belief that legal services should be rooted in relationships, trust and a real understanding of the local community.

LANGUAGE, LAW AND PERSPECTIVE

Mr. Amir Schuitemaker also addressed those present, speaking about language, law and his own professional development. Drawing on his experiences in Amsterdam, Leiden and Bonaire, he reflected on how the meaning of words, and justice itself, can shift depending on perspective.

“Where I once spoke on behalf of government, I now also speak to government,” he said. “Law is not only about conflict, but about dialogue. Whoever listens to someone who says the same thing differently, hears not just words but growth, connection, and the law itself speaking.”

His words underlined an important part of DEJONG’s approach: law is not only about procedure or position, but also about listening, understanding and building bridges.

ACCESS TO JUSTICE ACROSS THE BES ISLANDS

In his keynote address, the Honorable Mr. Herbert F. Domacassé spoke about the importance of access to justice and harmonious dispute resolution within small island societies.

He also highlighted the significance of DEJONG’s physical presence across all three BES islands and the unique perspective this provides, especially considering the special position of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba within the constitutional structure of the Netherlands.

“When dialogue replaces distance, and understanding replaces division, even the smallest islands become part of something greater. That is the value of being present on all three BES islands,” he said.

For DEJONG, being present on all three BES islands allows the firm to better understand the shared challenges, different realities and specific needs of each island community.

FOCUSED ON RELATIONSHIPS, DRIVEN BY RESULTS

Attorney and business development partner Mr. Gerald Simmons-de Jong closed the event with remarks in both Papiamentu and English.

“Mi ta sinti mi berdaderamente bendishona i mi ta gradisi Dios tur dia. DEJONG ta un bufete di abogao local, konstrui riba konekshonnan regional fuerte. Nos lema ta ku nos ta wordu forma pa relashonnan personal i impulse pa resultadonan. E apertura aki, riba Boneiru, ta marka un momentu hopi special, komo ku nos ta kapas pa kubri un perspektiva uniko, esta esun di tur e tres islanan BES, Bonairu, Statia i Saba,” said Gerald.

Speaking about his own personal journey, Gerald reflected on his upbringing in a semi-immigrant household in the Netherlands and the influence of his Indonesian mother, who taught him to always strive for excellence.

He also shared a story from a recent visit to Indonesia, where a local guide affectionately addressed him as “Mas,” a Javanese word meaning older brother. Looking out over Mount Batur and its neighboring peaks, he reflected on the deeper meaning of that word.

“Are we not all each other’s brothers and sisters? And aren’t we all responsible to care for each other and to guide the younger ones around us?” he said.

Gerald concluded by reaffirming DEJONG’s core motto: “Focused on relationships, driven by results.”

“We will also be here now for Bonaire, for its people and for its stakeholders. We strive to be your trusted legal partner and are ready to serve you,” he said.

OUR BONAIRE OFFICE

The Bonaire office is coordinated by branch manager Ms. Lisandra Figaroa, who serves as the first point of contact for clients and matters in Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.

Team members from St. Maarten, Saba and Bonaire work together to serve clients on Bonaire and across the BES islands.

With its Bonaire office, DEJONG continues to build a firm that is locally rooted, regionally connected and committed to providing practical, personal and results-driven legal services.

DEJONG is proud to be present on Bonaire.