How did Sint Maarten’s political status change after the Netherlands Antilles dissolved?

Following the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles on October 10, 2010, the political status of Sint Maarten changed significantly. Rather than seeking full independence, the island became an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, a status similar to that previously adopted by Aruba.12

In this new capacity, Sint Maarten maintains independence regarding its internal affairs, while the government of the Netherlands retains responsibility for defense, foreign relations, and other external matters. The Dutch monarch serves as the head of state, represented by a governor, and the country is governed by a Council of Ministers led by a prime minister.1