MP Sjamira Roseburg: Fighting for a future with more local lawyers

GREAT BAY--MP Sjamira Roseburg has built a career out of her passion for the law. Whenever she has the opportunity to speak with young people, she tells them about the importance of having a legal system that reflects who they are, both as Caribbean people and as citizens of St. Maarten.

That is why she says it is “saddening” to learn that none of the St. Maarten students who left for the Netherlands this year on study financing have chosen to study law. For Roseburg, this is not just a passing observation, it is a warning sign.

“It saddens me because our group of local lawyers is already small, and we need to strengthen it with more young, fresh talent,” she said. “We need graduates who are ready to learn, ready to focus, and ready to grow into this profession. Studying law opens so many possibilities, you can become an attorney, a judge, a prosecutor, work at legal affairs or work in other areas of the legal field. St. Martin would benefit greatly from having more of our own young professionals in these roles.”

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

For Roseburg, the value of having local lawyers, judges, and prosecutors goes far beyond professional qualifications. It is about ensuring the justice system reflects and understands the community it serves.

“When you deal with legal matters, there must be a human connection, a deep understanding of the person and their background,” she explained. “Knowing where someone comes from and the realities they face shapes how you approach their case. Without that connection, you risk misunderstanding the heart of an issue.”

She points to recent developments, such as verdicts being summarized in English, as positive steps toward accessibility. “But beyond language, it’s about understanding our roots and struggles. When a lawyer, judge, prosecutor shares your culture and context, it makes the legal process more accessible and relatable.”

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

If the trend of students avoiding law continues, Roseburg warns of a growing dependency on legal professionals from outside the island.

“If we don’t have enough local lawyers, we will be forced to rely more on lawyers, judges, prosecutors from abroad,” she said. “While they may be competent, they often lack the deep cultural and social understanding that a local would have. This would be a real loss for our people, because legal representation is about more than just knowledge of the law, it’s also about representation of our identity. That is why I see this as a threat and why we must actively encourage students to consider a career in law.”

Asked what might be discouraging young people, Roseburg points to several barriers. “I believe it’s a combination of factors. There is a lack of exposure, many students don’t fully understand the range of careers in law or how fulfilling this work can be. We also need to do a better job of explaining the different routes you can take to reach your goal. The Dutch language is another barrier. Under our current system within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in order to finalize your law study a strong command of Dutch is needed, which can discourage some students. Until our system changes, we must invest in improving Dutch language skills so that this door remains open to all our young people.”

To young people unsure about their future path, Roseburg offers both an invitation and advice.

“Reach out to professionals in the field. You can always approach me, I’m happy to talk, brainstorm, and guide you. If you’re unsure, try online career tests to see if law aligns with your skills and passions. Law is such a diverse and rewarding profession. I knew from the age of 12 or 13, through a school program called ‘Future Frames,’ that I wanted to work in law. I even wrote that I would be the youngest judge! Today, I’ve been an attorney for over a decade and I can tell you, helping people through the law brings immense fulfillment. Don’t worry, becoming a judge is still on my list.”

𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲

For Roseburg, the responsibility to promote law as a career does not rest on one group, it is a collective duty.

“Absolutely. We all share that responsibility. If we don’t take action, we risk having no local lawyers in the future, and that would be unacceptable. The government should also promote law as a viable and prestigious career, but so should local lawyers by taking interns, giving lectures, and engaging in schools. Visibility is key, if young people don’t see it, they can’t imagine themselves doing it. I’m willing to continue to give lectures, mentor students, and use my platforms to promote law, because having a role model can make all the difference.”

𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲

Her passion for inspiring future lawyers is rooted in her own experience. “My own journey has been deeply fulfilling but also challenging, law is not an easy study. But I believe that when you do something with passion, you set yourself apart. This is not just a job for me; it’s a calling. That passion drives me to go the extra mile for my clients and for the people of St. Martin.”

She credits her success to a strong network of support. “I also know I couldn’t have done it alone. I had the blessing of a strong support system, my parents played a key role. My father was always by my side, assisting me with projects, encouraging me, and giving me that extra push in moments when I felt like giving up. My mother was also there every step of the way, offering guidance, love, and motivation.”

Her grandmother was another powerful influence. “She made sure I kept my eye on the prize, and her constant encouragement stayed with me. Sadly, she passed away in 2013 during my final year of my master’s degree. Losing her was incredibly difficult, but it gave me the extra push to fulfill my dream, to believe and achieve, just as she always told me to do.”

“It truly takes a village,” she added. “And I am deeply grateful for mine. That’s why I tell young people: seek out mentors, build your support network, and never be afraid to lean on the people who believe in you.”

Roseburg’s vision for the next decade is clear. “I would love to see more local judges, prosecutors, and lawyers across all legal fields, from criminal to civil law and beyond. At present, we have only one local prosecutor, and we need to change that. My vision is a legal community where St. Martiners hold key positions in the justice system, ensuring equal and culturally grounded representation for our people. That is the future I will continue to fight for.”

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