Philipsburg: ----- The island council of St. Maarten paid special tribute to former island councilman and commissioner the late Cyril Ebenezer Richardson who passed away last week. Giving the opening address was Chairman of the island council Franklyn Richards. Richards said Richardson had a distinguished career in the civil service during his employment. Richardson worked in the department of finance prior to being appointed advisor to the executive council in 1986.
Richardson began his political career in 1979 when he postulated on the Democratic Party slate in 1979. He replaced the late Raymond Nicholson in 1986 in the Island council. In 1987 Richardson also replaced Sydney Wathey who had to resign since his father was also elected to the island council in 1987.Richards said Richardson served during the most turbulent years in politics, since for the first time a motion of non confidence was presented against two commissioners. He said Richardson played a momentous role in the nation building of St. Maarten and has served his time well. He is known as a man of the people who stood by his beliefs.
Richardson he said would dare to challenge the leadership of his own party.
Also paying tribute to Richardson is National Alliance leader William Marlin the only member of the island council who served with Richardson. Marlin remembered Richardson as man who meant business when in public office. He said during those days there was no enemies even though they were on opposing ends. He said it was during those years St. Maarten had functional cooperation in government.
He said one of the things that stands out most for Richardson is the turbulent period of 1987 and 1991 when the turmoil was in the Democratic Party. He said Richardson is the only one who was brave enough to stand up at the lectern and fired his party former leader and the late Claudius Wathey. Marlin said Richardson fired Wathey because he was an adviser to the EXCO during that time and was trying to remove the council with information he provided to them.
Leader of Government Sarah Wescot Williams also paid her tribute to Richardson. One of the moments Wescot Williams said her first public speech was done in Richardson home in Cole Bay.
After the tributes the members of the Island Council signed the condolence registry before it was presented to his relatives who were in the public tribune. During the special IC meeting a video tribute was played highlighting his days in office. Cyril Ebenezer Richardson was laid to rest later in the day.
