PHILIPSBURG:--- On behalf of Team National Alliance we would like to thank everyone for attending the National Alliance Congress on Sunday April 13th, 2014 at the Belair Community Center. We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate a number of persons namely: our Honorable leader Mr. William Marlin for remaining at the helm of the Party, Ms. Silveria Jacobs on being elected as the Deputy Vice President of the Party and a number of key strategic appointments to the newly established Executive Board, audit committee, strategic advisory committee and Youth Wing made up of competent, talented, committed and ambitious persons eager to make a lasting and worthwhile contribution to St. Maarten. We are also pleased to note that the passionate speeches, your overwhelming support, applause and cheers created an atmosphere of optimism, hope and much enthusiasm throughout the entire Congress. More importantly, we are thankful to all the emails, calls and text messages expressing your ardent support towards the National Alliance Party. Furthermore, it is our distinct pleasure and honor to welcome our newest members and supporters that made the informed decision to place their unwavering confidence in the leadership of the National Alliance Faction. Good conscience will not allow us to forget our longtime members and supporters that play a vital role in strengthening the Party and have remained committed to its principles and vision over the years. Words cannot express our intense appreciation and admiration to the hundreds of persons that answered the call to "follow the white line down di road" during this important election race and beyond! A big thank you to the Mighty Dow for his beautiful rendition of our national song on his steel pan, Ms. Cassilda Van Der Neut for her moving and passionate prayer. Moreover, the highlight of the Congress, namely the key note address, presented by our very own and former student of the Sundial School Mr. Riegnald "Bakari" Arrindell focused on the importance of "Rebuilding from within". After paying reverence to the elders in the audience by humbly asking for their permission to speak, Mr. Arrindell provided the audience with a youthful perspective on the island's developments since 2010 and underscored prospects and considerations to strengthen the Party and its grass roots supporters in the upcoming 2014 elections and beyond. His message was by far an impressive blend of empowerment, nationalism and rooted in strong spiritual values and most of all reminded e urgent need to develop a caliber of statesmen and states women that is not solely focused on the next election but rather the next generation. The speech offered a thoughtful reminder to everyone that the act of rebuilding is a natural process and spiritual act and should not be considered as a sign of weakness. More importantly he challenged Candidates to guard against jealousy, individualism, subtle intrigues, opportunism and greed! Candidate were advised to "not only measure your victory in terms of votes casts in your favor and seats acquired in this election but also by the tangible results that you render to the next two generations. This according to Mr. Arrindell is the call of the NEW St. Maarten Statesmen and Stateswomen! He encouraged supporters to remain dedicated, passionate, energetic, informed and ready to submerge their personal interests to that of the Party's' Principles and Program. Therefore, we join the leader of the National Alliance Party, Mr. William Marlin in expressing our heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Riegnald "Bakari" Arrindell. Based on the many positive responses and standing ovation, it can be said with much certainty that "Bakari's" speech is to some extent reminiscent of the impact the then Senator Barak Obama made on the Democratic Party Convention in 2008. We wholeheartedly agree with the view that "with young people such as Riegnald Arrindell taking on the challenge to help rebuild the National Alliance Youth Wing, the future of the National Alliance and the future of St. Maarten are in good hands. We look forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming district meetings and high profile events during the coming weeks! Thank you for your positive engagement! Forward Together!
Team National Alliance
