PHILIPSBURG:--- The Board and Membership of the Democratic Party express their deep appreciation, gratitude, and pride in the exemplary performance of the Chairperson of Parliament, MP Sarah Wescot-Williams and the outgoing Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Mr. Emil Lee.
They have been the non-stop standard bearers in both Parliament and the Government for the past 10 months, and there is no Parliamentarian or Minister able to compare on levels of consistency, productivity and quality of performance to these two members of the Democratic Party.
With her usual calm and grace under fire, Chairlady Wescot-Williams ceaselessly clarified the issues, maintained the proper decorum and directed the attention of Parliament and the public in the right directions. From IPOK on the Kingdom level to timeshare legislation and pensioners rights on both sides of the border, she produced results.
She did not miss a single teachable moment but took every opportunity to edify her fellow MP’s and raise the bar for standards and professionalism in the St. Maarten Parliament as a whole.
Her many years of experience and keen judge of character enabled her to choose exactly the right individual for the position of Minister, a choice absolutely pivotal to “the change” St. Maarten has been looking for.
Under her guidance, Minister Emil Lee, persevered to uphold and to demonstrate the values of transparency, accountability and the rule of law in all spheres of activity, on all fronts, accomplishing so much in so little time.
Given an opportunity not many thought he could handle, he did not disappoint but surpassed all expectations. The new hospital for St. Maarten and the Tripartite agreement on labor reform, including ending abuse of short-term labor contracts are just a few of those accomplishments. He has proven with humility his genuine respect and commitment to the well-being of the people of St. Maarten, of whom he is unquestionably a part.
Strong, Transparent and True LEADERSHIP is the only way to describe the attributes, attitudes, and contributions of these two representatives of the people. This gives all of us – Country, community and the Democratic Party-- real cause to celebrate.
We wish the incoming government all the best, and trust that their efforts will be for all of the people of St. Maarten, regardless of race, national or social origin or political colors.
The board of the Democratic Party
