The SDP is based on elaborate research. Prior to composing the SDP, a large number of stakeholders has been interviewed. Among these were Stenapa, the Medical School, Secar, the Housing Foundation, GEBE, Steba, the airport, hotels and diving schools. Based on these interviews, a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis has been executed and a Note of Outlines and Choices has been produced, which investigated the development possibilities for Sint Eustatius and represented them in three scenarios. In order to investigate the development options of Sint Eustatius an economic quick scan has been executed. The development possibilities were presented to the community in a Town Hall Meeting, and separately, to a number of the aforementioned stakeholders.

The SDP was designed as an elaboration of the Note of Outlines and Choices and the SWOT analysis. The result of the first Town Hall Meeting and discussions with stakeholders and civil servants determined the proposed course for development. The Draft SDP has been presented in a second Town Hall Meeting, followed by office consultations on March 16th.

The comments delivered at the office hours and the written responses received between March 16th and April 1st showed that adjustments and alterations on the SDP were needed for the SDP to function as a community-based foundation for a zoning plan.

The proposal for the adjustments of the SDP (Memorandum of Adjustments) is presented in a third Town Hall Meeting. The outcome of this Town Hall Meeting led to the final SDP. The final SDP is the base for the Spatial Development Plan.

Consultancy teams were formed to advise on the Spatial Development Plan. The subjects on which these teams have advised are: society and culture, nature and landscape and economy. Furthermore, the Quarter Masters of the various ministries which have prepared the island’s transition to the status of special municipality, were asked to advise.

The Spatial Development Plan is laid down by the Island Council. Prior to laying down the SDP a careful procedure is executed in which all inhabitants are given the opportunity to bring up reactions on the first draft and to object to the draft.