Philipsburg: --- Three political parties on St. Maarten submitted their lists of eleven candidates each on Monday to contest the January 2010 parliamentary elections. The first party to submit their list was the Peoples Progressive Party headed by former island council lady Gracita Arrindell. Arrindell with members of her slate presented their list shortly after 11 am. On the list, there are several new faces while it is obvious that the number 2 candidate that ran on the PPA list in 2007 Johan Janchi Leonard was not behind her. Also not seen was Christopher Emanuel, both persons this media house published earlier was going to be part of the green party.
At a press conference held at the home of the Arrindell’s in St. Peters, Arrindell told reporters that the PPA intend to inform the people along the way if elected. She said the intention of the PPA is to conduct its campaign in the homes of the people since they believe that the people need to understand their future is now. Arrindell said it is their belief that the process of status change belongs in the homes of the people and not in the fancy offices.
“We believe it is important for the People’s Progressive Alliance, the PPA, to participate in the January 22nd 2010 elections for 2 key reasons; First. The elections are legally prescribed to be held. Political parties have an obligation to participate in all elections and not to choose elections. Almost a decade ago, the people of Sint Maarten were promised a new constitutional status. As we are painfully aware, this did not happen.”Secondly, The PPA needs to be a part of turning off the lights of the Netherlands Antilles to ensure it is done correctly and in the best interests of the people of St Maarten. The people of St Maarten voted in June 23rd in a referendum to secure a new constitutional status similar to Aruba almost 10 years ago, and our people need to understand that this is the time to influence their future.
Those that are on the PPA slate are as follows:-
1.Gracita Arrindell
2.Dr. Ruth Douglass,
3.Mr. Les Brown,
4.Mr. Franklin Patrick,
5.Ms. Suzanne ‘Suzy’ Velasques,
6.Ms. Jennifer Richardson,
7.Ms Anique Liu,
8.Mr. Kenneth Provacia,
9.Ms Shaira Bommel,
10.Mr.Othmar Henrietta, and
11.Mr. Herbert ‘Prince’ Martina.
While the Democratic Party headed by Island Council lady Sarah Wescot Williams submitted their list just after 3:30 pm. The slate of the Democratic Party now has five new faces and Maria Buncamper Molanus a long time DP member and island council lady was nowhere in sight. Asked about that leader of the party said the party took a decision not to have Buncamper Molanus on the list, but the island council lady she said still remains a strong supporter of the DP.
Members and supporters of the Democratic Party marched to the Government Administration Building decked in red tee shirts. It was clear that the DP supporters were behind their leader as they said that they are willing to “die for Sarah”.
On the slate are the following members
1. Sarah Wescot Williams
2. Erno Labega
3. Roy Marlin
4. Perry Geerlings
5. Petrus Leroy De Weever
6. Steven Carty
7. Steward Johnson
8. Carlyle Rogers
9. Marinka Gumbs
10. Jeffry Richardson
11. 11. Richelda Emanuel
The five new faces are Perry Geerlings, Steven Carty, Carlyle Rogers, Marinka Gumbs and Richelda Emanuel
Soon after the DP party submitted their list, former member of the party commissioner Theo Heyliger made sure he joined the group as they celebrate. Heyliger was presented with a red tee shirt, as he made sure he congratulated each member on the slate.
The National Alliance was the last party to submit their slate; submitting the list was Henrietta Doran York. Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin said they presented a full slate and is looking to capture all three seats, two of which they are currently occupying. Marlin said the National Alliance started the dismantling process and they would like to complete it. He made clear that the people gave them a mandate and they have kept it thus far. Marlin said his party did not fall apart instead; it was those that held power in the local government that fell apart causing them to take over.
Marlin said that ever since they took over power locally they were caught up doing a lot of unfinished work that the former government left behind.
After the National Alliance submitted their slate Heyliger made sure, he went among the candidates and congratulated them all.
Heyliger who have been in politics for a number of years now only contested the federal elections once. The election to be held in January 2010 is the last election scheduled to take place in the Netherlands Antilles.
On the National Alliance Slate are the following candidates;
1. William Marin
2. Frans Richardson
3. George Pantophlet
4. Rodolphe Samuel
5. Henrietta Doran York
6. Patrick Illidge
7. Roland Duncan
8. Silveria Jacobs
9. Engel Louis
10. Terry Peterson
11. Hyacinth Richardson
