PHILIPSBURG – “Fellow citizens of St. Maarten,
“As outgoing Minister, it has been an absolute privilege for me to serve you for the Governing period 2014-2015. I am equally privileged and humbled for the opportunity to have served as minister for two ministries namely the Ministry of TEATT and lastly the Ministry of VROMI during this period.
“Upon assuming office, my approach as a professional coming out of the private sector was to primarily place attention on the fundamental issues affecting our young country. This was done in close consultation with all ministries. During this brief stint, I have had the advantage to help facilitate some profound initiatives and policies aimed to address ongoing challenges throughout the organization; while others were geared to provide better opportunities and quality of life for our citizens and young people. Some of these initiatives are:
1. The improvement in the licensing processes in the Ministry of TEATT, coupled with the clean-up of unclaimed licenses;
2. The establishment of workgroups for the economic pillar of the National Development Plan, which is a public-private initiative;
3. The draft framework document for the establishment of the St. Maarten Tourism Authority with key stakeholders;
4. Developed a cooperation agreement with the General Pension Fund (APS) for the purpose of constructing residential homes on the Welgelegen property, which was acquired by Government;
5. Facilitated the cooperation between the St. Maarten Harbor Group of Companies N.V. and Public Works for the repairs to both Front Street and Back Street;
6. Facilitated the issuance of rights of long lease to the Chamber of Commerce & Industry for the development of an economic service center;
7. Facilitated the requirements for the establishment of the sewerage treatment plant for the areas of Cole Bay and Marigot. This project is a partnership initiative funded by the EU, the French State, the Collectivite and the Government of St. Maarten.
“These are just a few of the initiatives I believe that are worth mentioning. Against this backdrop, I want to acknowledge the cooperation of my fellow ministers for supporting me in these initiatives and for their invaluable advice and guidance.
“For the last eleven months, I have had the opportunity to work with two of our most dynamic ministries and a cadre of civil servants. These talented individuals went beyond the call of duty to ensure that the well-being of our country remained at all times at the core of the order of the day. To these civil servants I urge you to continue to exhibit the true meaning of being a ‘public servant’ by way of displaying professional work ethics and integrity.
“I wish to also take this opportunity to thank the staff of my cabinet, other support staff, my family and friends for their support. My tenure as Minister would not have been possible without their encouragement, critical counsel and prayers.
“Citizens of St. Maarten, during the last five years we have been significantly challenged on all fronts and the struggle continues today. As a people we must remain encouraged and resilient. In doing so however, we must never become comfortable with the notion that we are entitled to an acceptable standard of living and representation. We must resolve to work individually and collectively to contribute to this level of existence that we all can appreciate. Only then will we truly make St. Maarten a better place for generations to come. As a young country, I am humbled to have been given the opportunity to make my contribution from this level of representation.
“For those who will be entrusted with the mantle of building our beloved St Maarten, I encourage you to find that inner resilience to keep your eyes fixed on the source that provides wisdom and understanding.
“May God bless St. Maarten and its people.”
