PHILIPSBURG:--- Several dignitaries including Governor Eugene Holiday, Prime Minister of St. Maarten Sarah Wescot Williams and her cabinet, Acting Governor Reynold Groeneveldt, Ombudsman Nilda Arduin Lynch, Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte, and Commissioner of Police Carl John were among those that were in the packed tribune of Parliament during the solemn ceremony held in commemoration of the third anniversary of St. Maarten being a country. Leader of the United People's Party Theodore Heyliger attended his first public session in Parliament on Thursday.
Keynote speaker Aruba's first Prime Minister Henny Eman outlined the main reasons Aruba opted to separate themselves from the Netherlands Antilles and go directly under the Kingdom of the Netherlands. PM Eman said one of the main reasons the people of Aruba began thinking of a change of status was because the smallest decisions regarding Aruba were made in Curacao and when they were in need of materials such as a typewriter they were given a second hand one. Eman explained that the Aruban people began thinking of status change way back in 1930 when the people of Aruba were going through very difficult times; such as hunger, poverty, and unemployment. He said in order for Aruba to deal with its problems they needed more autonomy and an opportunity to communicate and work directly with the Kingdom. Aruba attained its separate status in January 1986, shortly after that the economic situation worsened because the oil refinery stopped its operations almost crippling the economy of Aruba. Aruba conducted studies to show them how to handle crisis situations which he said helped the island to get back on track and in no time they managed to double their income when the IMF and the Kingdom came down on Aruba to realize its situation and have a balance budget.
However, politicians there did what was necessary by conducting studies and opened up the island for the tourism market. PM Eman said by doing so Aruba managed to double its numbers and saw a significant growth in its economy which was far higher than when the oil refinery was operational. The first PM of Aruba made clear that the only reason Aruba was able to take its country to another level was because they were the decision makers of Aruba.
He said a Curacao banker even said Aruba would crawl back to them on their knees, while the Kingdom thought that Aruba would release them of their responsibilities within ten years. PM Eman further elaborated in his remarks that politicians on Aruba as well as the people of that island worked hand in hand to develop their country. Eman said the people of Aruba chose to remain under the Kingdom for several reasons and they too had to deal with the matter of integrity. Aruba commissioned its own studies when the Kingdom thought Aruba was the heaven for drugs and even though the results of the investigations conducted showed that Aruba's integrity was in good standing that too was not enough.
Other speakers were leader of the National Alliance William Marlin who reminded politicians the road St. Maarten walked to obtain its country status. Marlin made sure he informed those in attendance that it was under his mandate in 2009 to 2010 that St. Maarten got its country status. He said that while the island is struggling to stay above ground, a serious look has to be taken at the country's integrity and finances. Marlin also credited those that worked tireless hours with politicians for St. Maarten to obtain its new status within the Kingdom and called on government to do what is necessary to make October 10th a national holiday. The statements made by the leader of the National Alliance did not sit well with Democratic Party MP Roy Marlin who said that it seems as though St. Maarten obtained its status through the National Alliance. Faction leader of the United People's Party Silvia Meyers focused on the cost of living and the sufferings of the elderly, she called on government to do what is necessary to ensure that elderly on St. Maarten are taken care of. Independent Member of Parliament Romaine Laville had a panic attack during the ceremony but later recovered to deliver his speech. Laville spoke of the workers who lost their jobs at the RBC and Pelican workers.
The two hour ceremony ended with snacks and drinks at the house of Parliament. After the solemn ceremony, a church service was held at the New Testament Baptist Church, the service at NTBC was organized by Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams. Several officers of KPSM attended the church service with the elected officials.
The management of KPSM held a small ceremony in front of the police headquarters in Philipsburg in commemoration of Constitution Day.
Click here to view more photos of the Solemn Ceremony of Parliament.
