MPs Lewis and Roseburg Hail Denzel Washington's Tax Law Master's Degree

GREAT BAY--Members of Parliament Lyndon Lewis and Sjamira Roseburg have extended their congratulations to Denzel Troy Alfonso Washington, son of the late Troy Washington, on earning his Master of Laws (LLM) in Tax Law from the University of Amsterdam's Amsterdam Law School. Both parliamentarians praised his academic accomplishments, his dedication to professional development and his decision to return to St. Maarten to contribute his expertise to the country's legal and financial sectors.

Washington's latest academic achievement builds upon his Bachelor of Laws in Tax Law from Erasmus University Rotterdam. He is also completing a second master's degree in International Technology Law, which he expects to finish in December.

Alongside his academic pursuits, Washington gained two and a half years of professional experience at Deloitte, further developing his knowledge and expertise in taxation. He will now bring that experience home as he begins the next chapter of his professional career as a tax lawyer at BDO Dutch Caribbean in St. Maarten.

MP Lyndon Lewis Praises Academic Excellence and Decision to Return Home

MP Lyndon Lewis, who also serves as Chairman of Parliament's Justice Committee, described Washington's accomplishment as an important milestone reflecting years of hard work and dedication.

"Mr. Washington’s accomplishment reflects years of discipline, determination, and commitment to personal and professional development. I congratulate him on this significant milestone and wish him continued success as he works toward completing his second master’s degree," Lewis stated.

Lewis highlighted the importance of qualified professionals returning to St. Maarten after completing their education and gaining valuable experience abroad. He noted that their knowledge and international exposure can strengthen local institutions, businesses and professional services, particularly as the country's legal and regulatory environment continues to evolve.

"It is particularly encouraging to see Mr. Washington return to St. Maarten to apply his skills and build his career. Our country benefits when talented professionals bring their experience home and help address the needs of our community. His decision is a meaningful investment in St. Maarten’s future," Lewis said.

As Chairman of the Justice Committee, Lewis also acknowledged the growing importance of developing specialized legal expertise in areas such as taxation and technology, given the increasingly complex demands facing governments, businesses and legal professionals.

He encouraged other young people to view Washington's academic and professional journey as an example of what can be achieved through persistence, commitment and a willingness to pursue opportunities beyond St. Maarten's shores.

"Denzel’s journey offers encouragement to others pursuing their education and professional ambitions. His achievement demonstrates what sustained effort can accomplish, and his return reminds us of the opportunities available to make a valuable contribution here at home," Lewis added.

Lewis extended his best wishes to Washington for continued success at BDO Dutch Caribbean, the successful completion of his second master's degree and a rewarding career serving St. Maarten's legal and business community.

MP Sjamira Roseburg: Representation Matters and St. Maarten Needs Its Own Tax Specialists

MP Sjamira Roseburg, who is also an attorney, joined Lewis in congratulating Washington, emphasizing the significance of his accomplishment not only for his personal and professional development but also for young people across St. Maarten who aspire to pursue careers in specialized fields.

"It is with immense pride that I congratulate St. Maarten’s own Denzel Troy Alfonso Washington on earning his Master of Laws (LLM) in Tax Law from the University of Amsterdam’s Amsterdam Law School," Roseburg stated.

Drawing on her own experience in the legal profession, Roseburg recognized the dedication required to complete advanced legal studies, particularly in a demanding field such as taxation.

"As an attorney, I know what this achievement represents. Law school does not hand out its degrees. It demands discipline, sacrifice and long nights, often thousands of miles from home, family and everything familiar. Choosing tax law, one of the most technical and demanding fields in the profession, and completing it at one of Europe’s leading law faculties shows determination and character. Denzel, you earned this," she said.

Roseburg emphasized that Washington's achievement demonstrates the ability of young people from St. Maarten to excel internationally and establish themselves in professions that require specialized knowledge and expertise.

"This moment is bigger than one diploma. Representation matters. When a young man from St. Maarten stands in Amsterdam holding a master’s degree in tax law, every young person on this island can see that the path is open to them too. They can see that our people belong in rooms where complex, high-level decisions are made, and that excellence is not something we have to import. We grow it right here," Roseburg stated.

Beyond celebrating Washington's individual success, Roseburg connected his accomplishment to a broader need for St. Maarten to develop its own pool of qualified legal professionals, particularly specialists capable of contributing to the development and review of the country's tax legislation.

She stressed that taxation plays a central role in national development and that St. Maarten must invest in professionals who understand both the technical aspects of revenue legislation and the circumstances of the community those laws are intended to serve.

"St. Maarten needs its own tax specialists. Taxation is how our country funds its schools, hospitals, roads and social safety net. It decides whether the burden falls fairly on our families and small businesses. Too often, the expertise to draft, review and challenge our revenue laws has had to come from outside. In Parliament I have pushed for a dedicated pool of legislative lawyers for our revenue legislation, because good tax law requires people who understand both the law and the community it serves. Sons and daughters of the soil like Denzel are exactly who we need," Roseburg said.

The MP also used the occasion to encourage students across St. Maarten to continue pursuing their academic and professional ambitions, regardless of the challenges they may encounter along the way.

"To every student on St. Maarten: look at this and believe it is possible for you. The road is hard, but it leads somewhere. Invest in yourself, go out and learn from the best, and bring that knowledge home to build our nation," she encouraged.

Roseburg concluded her message with a personal expression of pride in Washington's accomplishments and confidence in the contribution he can make to the country's future.

"Denzel, I am proud of you. Your family is proud of you. St. Maarten is proud of you. Welcome to the profession, counselor. Your country is waiting for what you will build. Congratulations!" Roseburg stated.

Celebrating Homegrown Talent and Professional Development

Both Lewis and Roseburg emphasized that Washington's accomplishments reflect the potential of St. Maarten's young professionals to succeed internationally and bring their knowledge and experience back home.

Their congratulatory messages highlighted the importance of educational achievement, professional specialization and creating opportunities for qualified citizens to contribute to national development.

With an advanced qualification in tax law, professional experience at Deloitte and another master's degree nearing completion, Washington's return to St. Maarten represents an opportunity to apply his international training and expertise within the local professional environment.

Both Members of Parliament extended their congratulations and best wishes to Washington as he begins his career at BDO Dutch Caribbean and continues his professional development.

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