They have endured my every wish, whether realistic or not, my most impossible demands, the many setbacks due to bureaucracy and still managed to produce a body of work that is unassailable. For this, they have earned my respect and appreciation. We worked together for the people of St. Maarten.
The records of history will show that our tenure together was as productive as any in the history of St. Maarten. While I am sure that we would have liked to push everything through the pipelines, we can take pride in the volume of work we accomplished. There is plenty more in the pipeline to come that we will recognize as having started or having brought close to completion.
A special thank you to the Island Secretary and her team: what a task you have. To the Chairman of the Executive Council, we've had some interesting debates, differences of opinion, but always remained respectful towards each other with the best outcome in the interest of the people of St. Maarten. To my colleagues in the Executive Council: what a ride. While there is so much more that can be said, I will suffice by saying thank you for being my colleagues.
Allow me to thank my two families, my immediate and my extended family otherwise known as my staff. My Executive Assistant Mrs. Veronica Jansen-Webster, my Senior Advisor Mrs. Ruth Boyrard-Brewster, my Administrative Assistants Mrs. Magda Maccow-Sprott and Ms. Faye Arnell, my Press Secretary Mr. Michael Granger and Ms. Martine (Lena) Arrindell who meticulously took care of my office.
What a team we made. I thank you, my extended family, for your dedicated work, your commitment to our constituents, your patience with your demanding boss, and your steadfast support and loyalty through challenging times. It has never been easy. But all of you rose to the occasion and performed better than I could have ever hoped for or expected. Rest assured, I'll probably still be calling on you with demands. You've been warned.
To my immediate family thank you, thank you, thank you. You have been there for me through thick and thin and have given me the strength to endure the deviousness of politics. You have been the backbone that has allowed me to emerge from this environment better and stronger than ever.
To the people of St. Maarten I say simply the work continues, as normal, for you. For me it doesn't matter where I am or on which side of the table I sit. I have always worked on your behalf in the A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall, in the chambers of Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles, The Council Of Ministers, The Chamber of Commerce or in my community (several volunteer organizations such as "children First foundation, Cultural Center, Youth Center, Rotary Club of St. Maarten). This will not change. I will not be silent or dormant. I don't even know how that works. That is not who you elected me to be.
So although a new chapter now begins, working on your behalf will continue. You will have my dedication and my heart. Thank you for your unwavering support. It has been an honor and privilege to serve you as a member of the Executive Council of St. Maarten.
