Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Sint Maarten on your Constitution Day.

"Today you will gather with family and friends and reflect on your nation’s past and hopes for the future. By continuing to invest in your nation’s young people, you are helping to ensure the future of Sint Maarten is bright.

"The people of Sint Maarten warmly welcome more than one million American visitors every year. Our nations share democratic values and the desire to create a more stable, prosperous, and environmentally sustainable region for both our people. We appreciate Sint Maarten’s cooperation in countering the flow of drugs in the region and in strengthening our law enforcement partnership.

"I am pleased to wish you a joyful Constitution Day."