PHILIPSBURG:--- National Alliance number 11 candidate Cedric Peterson held a town-hall style meeting at Caribbean Blend on Sunday. The meeting was held in an effort to give a new dimension to the conversation he began at the start of the campaign for the 2014 Parliamentary elections on August 29. It is also part of Peterson's focus on ensuring that the people of St. Maarten have the chance to actively determine the country's course for the next four years.
"Both the National Alliance and I believe that putting people first means that we have to take the time to listen to voters. We have to engage them on the best ways to improve the country. The party and I certainly have plans. I took the time to share those plans on Sunday and then took them to hear what this island's people had to say about how we could improve those plans," Peterson said.
Sunday's session focused on several issues that are close to Peterson's heart. The priority points include education, sports, jobs, the cost of living on St. Maarten, the economy and equality. The discussion also covered telecommunications and transportation.
"As a son of the St. Maarten soil, the issues of the St. Maarten people are my issues. I decided to run because I'm a St. Maartener who wants to make a difference. During the campaign, including yesterday's meeting, I've seen that there are many more St. Maarteners who also want to make a difference. I want to work with them to do the good things that will continue to elevate our country," Peterson continued.
"I truly believe that government should be of the people;it must continuously be about engaging people. This means that people should be involved in developing the plans their representatives will implement during any particular governing term. This type of engagement builds trust and contributes to making our country more inclusive and transparent. This type of engagement proves that both the National Alliance and I are putting St. Maarten first," Peterson added.
"Sunday's discussion is one I hope to continue for the rest of the campaign and after the election. It is a commitment I make to the people of this country, because there are a lot good things to do and we must work together to accomplish them," Peterson concluded.
