Philipsburg: --- The island council of St. Maarten had one of its newest members took his oat yesterday (Monday) morning prior to convening its regular meetings. Illidge has replaced the vacant position left by Island Councilman George Pantophlet who resigned to take up his new position as State Secretary for Health for the Netherlands Antilles. Present to witness the oat taking were several members of the Illidge family including his parents, wife and two children. In his opening remarks he promised to work in the best interest of St. Maarten who is presently going through a status change. He said he heard the cries of the island youths, those that cannot find work and those that are not able to meeting their monthly bills with minimum wage.
Illidge was given the rules of order and other important documents relating to the island council moments after he took the oat. He was even guided by other members of the council how to sign in for his first island council meeting.
