Articles: Page 1 of 4
Sint Maartens Zeevaarders Syndicaat
Articles of Incorporation
Article I. Charter of the Company.
Today, the 1st of May 1719, have assembled Albert de Lonvilliers, Knight and Lord of this island, Governor of Saint-Martin, on behalf of His Most Christian Majesty Louis XV; and Jan van Huijs, likewise Governor of Sint-Maarten on behalf of His Highness William IV Prince of Oranje and the States of Holland; to hear a petition forwarded by Michael van Duijer, Artugan Hunter, Marion van Ghent, Tino van Horen, Eric the Red, Raveneau de Lusan, and Rogier Petite, independent Traders of Holland, toward the formation of a joint Trading Company to be established at Sint-Maarten.
WHEREAS, those gathered reaffirm the Treaty of Concordia, written and signed the 23rd of March 1648, establishing the mutual defense and governance of this Isle of Sint-Maarten; and,
WHEREAS, the Governors of Sint-Maarten recognize the great value to France and the United Provinces of a joint Trading Company; it is thus,
RESOLVED, to grant unto Michael van Duijer, & al. permission to establish a joint Trading Company under auspices of the French crown and States General of the United Provinces;
RESLOVED, to permit said Company use of the name SINT MAARTENS ZEEVAARDERS SYNDICAAT;
RESOLVED, to grant arms of Or, in hoist a Lion rampant crowned gules bearing a sword and sheaf of arrows proper, in fly the letters S, M, Z entwined sable to the Sint Maartens Zeevaarders Syndicaat and all Members there of.
Signed, etc
Article II. Guiding Principles.
The purpose of the Sint Maartens Zeevarders Syndicaat (henceforth known as the Company) is to organize a like minded group of individuals to pool their money and self-insure their ships and cargos against loss due to war, weather or act of piracy. Membership is open to any Merchant, Navy or Privateer with good reputation with the French Nation. While the Company is styled as the French office of a Dutch business, and roleplaying a Dutch character is encouraged, it is by no means required.It is the intent of this Company to facilitate mechants helping and supporting each other, building a fleet as secure as a convoy of East Indiamen. To this end, joint Funds will be maintained to allow pooling of resources for Upgrades, Financing, Insurance, etc. These Funds are accessible on a rotating basis by Seniority (to be defined). While any Member may petition for funds, upgrading of Escorts is to be given initial priority. Each Captain shall be sole owner of his ship and the Company shall have no lien or say on its employment. Captains alone are responsible for the operations and direction of their duties (missions). The Company is primarily concerned with the strength and safety of its members. Individual Captains must work out a safe and useful convoy system, which benefits both Merchant and Escort members. Members must pay a small Commission to access Funds. Members may leave the Company at any time, forfeiting any and all Commissions paid. Our motto is Eendracht Maakt Macht.