Philipsburg:--- The Island Council of St. Maarten held a special sitting to bid farewell to the late Clem Labega, founder of the Democratic Party. Labega passed away on Wednesday last week at the age of 83 years. He died of lung complications at the St. Maarten Medical Center. In atttendence at the Island Council meeting was Senator Louis Constant Fleming, President of the COM Frantz Gumbs, President of the Antillean Parliment Pedro Attacho, and several othe parlimentarians who came in support of Senator Erno Labega.
A short video was shown of the late Labega who spoke openly about his political life and achievement on St. Maarten. He also clarified that he was the one that founded the Democratic Party on St. Maarten and not the late Claude Wathey as percived by many in the community. Paying tributes to the late Clem Labega was Chairman of the Island Council Franklyn Richards, leader of the National Alliance William Marlin and leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams. All members of the island Council who was present during yesterday's meeting then proceeded to sign the condolence registry which was later handed over to the widow the late Clem Labega, Rosie Labega.
Hundreds of St. Maarten residents made it their business to attend the funeral service which was held at the Royal Funeral Home yesterday, the ceremony was conducted by the president of the Democratic Party Board Frank Arnell. Giving the eulogy and legacy of the late pioneer was his son Senator Erno Labega. Politicians from both sides of the island as well as from Curacao braved the hot sun and packed Royal Funeral Home to pay homage to man who served his country with love and dignity.
After the viewing and service the body of the late Clem Labega was cremated.
