PHILIPSBURG:--- “My experience as a Minister for a little over 11 months have added range to my experiences, knowledge and wisdom. Leadership is not about having power over others, rather, it is about empowering others through service.
“It is about creating an environment within your post where everyone feels a sense of self-worth, and the responsibility of promoting growth and a freedom of choice so that your staff contributes physically, mentally and emotionally, because they want to.
“Despite the personal risks; serving you as Minister provided me with a larger perspective of the concerns affecting our youth, the population at large and what needs to be enforced to foster a better society. Knowing the right way to activate our youth is key. As a result, the struggle to empower them must continue.
“I count myself privileged, having the responsibility for two Ministries for the majority of my tenure in office. That additional responsibility provided me with additional knowledge and awareness about the processes of government. I am forever grateful to my cabinet members, the dedicated Secretary Generals, Heads of Departments/Divisions and civil servants who leaped boundaries and sometimes made sacrifices to contribute towards my achievement while in office. Their continuous hard work and dedication should never go unnoticed and I applaud their commitment to St. Maarten.
“I urge us all to fight for and restore the rightful priorities of our society, and what is good for the people of St. Maarten. If we all desire effective change in this society, then we must be willing to work together to achieve it.
“As we look to the future, the first essential thing is to begin healing the wounds of this nation, put the bitterness and divisions of the past behind us and to rediscover those shared ideals that are in the heart of the citizens of St. Maarten.
“It is also important for us to remember that there is strength in unity as a people and that we should rely on our resilience and make good use of all the bountiful talent.
“I encourage all to keep motivating our young individuals by all means possible.
“I also encourage us all to remember the incoming Ministers in prayer for divine guidance when making decisions. I wish them much success.
“In all the decisions I have made in just over 11 months of my public life, I have always sincerely taken the path that was best for our youth and the people of St. Maarten, and without second thoughts, I can safely say that I did it with dignity and integrity.
“I received unwavering support from my husband, mother, family, friends and the community during these months that I am also forever grateful for.
“I am honoured to have been blessed with the opportunity to serve as Minister of Education, Culture, and Youth & Sports and as Acting Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labor.
“May God continue to bless us all, and may God continue to bless St. Maarten.”