Philipsburg: --- Attorney at law Reynold Amando Groeneveldt took the oath on Monday afternoon as he was sworn in the presence of Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards as the next acting Lt. Governor for the island territory of St. Maarten. Richards is expected to leave the island on June 1 for a conference in the Netherlands as well as his vacation. Last week the executive council advised Richards to take his vacation leading up to his pension as he would be making his 60th birthday on August 10.It is expected that Nilda Arduin Lynch, the second acting Lt. Governor would be sworn in as soon as Friday as she would be replacing the current acting Lt. Governor Millicent De Weever. SMN News learnt that De Weever's last day in office will be Thursday June 3rd.
After Groeneveldt took the oath, Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards presented him with the 'black book" containing the Islands Regulations of the Netherlands Antilles and rules of order of the island council and other rules that has to be upheld as he managed the island in the capacity of acting Lt. Governor. Richards also advised the in coming months Lt. Governor to make sure he upholds the law of the land. He said at times it will be different especially knowing how the politicians think compared to his way of thinking. Richards said while the politicians look at matters in a broader way the Lt. Governor has to make sure he maintains the law. He said for him he compared his governing as the Sherriff and the cowboys, since in his opinion the Sherriff has to abide by the laws of the land while the cowboys are free to do anything. He also advised Groeneveldt to make sure he works hand in hand with the island secretary, and the head of his cabinet.
Richards said St. Maarten is its transition phase and that the island needs all on board to build country St. Maarten.
In his short address Groeneveldt said he is honored to be selected and took the oath for one of the highest functions on the island, he said he is humbled as well as cognizant of the fact that there is an enormous task ahead to build a new country. He also pledged with God's help and those involved in government, the opposition and the population including the business community and civil servants to work together and do what is necessary for St. Maarten so that the island could achieve the new country status which everyone desire.
Groeneveldt said he is no stranger to government as he worked for 22 years for the island government prior to moving to the private sector where he served as an attorney. He said based on that the Lt. Governor can rest assure that he will uphold the laws of the land as he serves as acting Lt. Governor.
Leader of Government William Marlin said Groeneveldt was selected by the executive council and not by him as indicated by Groeneveldt. Marlin said they called the new acting Lt. Governor just half an hour before the swearing in and he managed to gather his supporters and to make it to the government administration building. Marlin said that very soon the second acting Lt. Governor will be sworn in the person of Nilda Arduin Lynch who was also present to witness Groeneveldt swearing in.
As for the incoming acting Lt. Governor he said the candidate is no stranger to government as he spearheaded many battles as he defended civil servants who were not happy with certain decisions taken against them. Marlin also indicated that Groeneveldt is also an educator and former head of the department of education.