PHILIPSBURG:--- The Democratic Party (DP) of St. Maarten during 2014 is celebrating its 60th anniversary with reflecting on the past decades and recognizing the invaluable contribution that the party and its members, past and present, have made to the development of this nation.
"Today we salute the pioneers of our country and of our party. We thank all those who have served the Country and the Party in different capacities during the past decades.
Fifty-six of the past sixty years have been spent under the yoke of the Netherlands Antillean political system. During this time, there were many attempts to change this political system under which we languished. The DP's vision was clear, even when all the others dared not rock the proverbial constitutional boat. We "soaked out blows" when in 1994, the people did not give a mandate for change in the political system.
"But in 2000, our message was heard and accepted in the referendum.
Steadfastness ultimately paid off and although today many claim the vision and attainment of an autonomous country in the Dutch Kingdom as their own, the annals of history will always hold the truth and the DP's record and achievements can't be erased.
"Today we, the current DP breed, proudly hold on to the founding principles of the DP as we simultaneously allow new ideas and a fresh breeze to solidify the position of the DP in an ever changing world.
The founding principles which remain crucial, especially in the 21st century are: a vision of a united St. Maarten land; Social inclusion; Economic development; and Self-sufficiency.
"To these we add to today: Nation building; Proper governance; and a 'People First' Agenda," read the Democratic Party statement.
"60 years later, we can look back on the major strides we have made as a nation, from a colonial outpost to where we are today. There is no denying that the fate of our country has been inextricably linked with the Democratic Party, a Party which has been there at the beginning and still is here today, undaunted by the naysayers and those who, while critical today, benefited most from the vision and policies of successive DP administrations.
"The winds of change are constantly blowing and the DP has had to adjust its sails as we remained true to our guiding principles.
"Many parties, coming after and even out of the DP have claimed as their own the inviting hospitality our people are known for, so much so, that today, generations of "new" St. Martiners have found a peaceful home here. We know that this claim by others is to woo the once-immigrant voter. In the case of the DP, this vision rests on the premise of brotherhood and "good neighbor policies" in especially the Caribbean region.
We cherish the bounds between the people of our island-nation, whether French or Dutch and we have not swayed from this, even in the face of challenges. This is another area that is used by many politicians conveniently. "They are for the French, then again they are against the French".
But the Democratic Party's greatest strengths are its steadfastness, its resolve, and its "people-ness", in and out of season.
"As the second leader of this illustrious Party, I am proud to say Thank You, after 60 years of service to all who contributed. But most of all, I thank the members and supporters of the Democratic Party from throughout our island, who remained loyal through thick and thin, as well as those who today help to shape a new vision, guided by the Party's founding principles, the experience of its current members and a fresh breeze of the Party's upcoming generation of politicians," emphasized Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams, Leader of the Democratic Party of St. Maarten.
DP Press Release
