Philipsburg: --- Commissioner and grandson of the late Dr. Claude Wathey, Theodore Heyliger captured the attention of a large group of people when he launched his new party the "United People's Party or the UP party on Saturday afternoon.Family members, supporters and candidates of the new kid on the block first gathered in front of the government administration building where they lay wreaths in memory of the late Dr. Claude Wathey marking his birthday on Saturday. Heyliger laid the wreath on behalf of the executive council, while the party's president Franklin Meyers and its vice president Josianne Fleming-Artsen laid the wreath on behalf of the UP and two great grandchildren of the laid Dr. Claude Wathey laid the wreath on behalf of the Wathey family.
The crowd then moved over to the boardwalk where the official launching took place. It was clear that Heyliger a veteran politician made sure he mingled with his supporters before officially launching his new party which has been in the making some years now. While the Barefoot Terrace was decorated in green and orange a clear signal that the People's Progressive Party (PPA) and the UP has come together there was no sight of Drs. Gracita Arrindell PPA leader. SMN News learnt that Arrindell and one of her biggest supporters Dr. Ruth Douglas already took photo shoots to appear on the posters of the UP list. Visible was some supporters of the PPA among the gathering in their green shirt. Among the supporters backing Commissioner Theo Heyliger were several long time supporters of the Democratic Party. They were Rene Richardson, Attorney at Law Cor Merx. Toochie Meyers, Jerry Sardine, Commissioner of Police Richard Panneflec, Invocation was conducted by Eualie Meyers.
Several persons were heard expressing their frustration with the current state of government and the constant bickering taking place with the two oldest parties on the island the Democratic Party and the National Alliance.
Board members of the UP are President- Franklin Meyers, Vice President Josianne Fleming Artsen, Secretary—Miss Rosina Romeo, Treasurer, Mrs. Joyce Wathey Yee, Board members also include Ms. Tamara Leonard, Mr. Cleveland Bresford, and James Roidis. At the launching the official notary paperwork were signed in front of the gathering in the presence of notary Gijsbertha. The UP's theme for this year's election is "teaming up for a country we all love so much."
UP Party President Franklin Meyers told the crowd that the party started with him and Heyliger when they began discussing the "should, would, and then could". Meyers said the UP party is no longer a dream but is now a reality and something the people of St. Maarten want. He described the UP –Party as a party of the people, by the people and for the people of St. Maarten. Meyers also confirmed that Gracita Arrindell is with the UP party even though she was not present at the launching. He said Arrindell and members of the PPA has shown that for them it is country above self when they were able to put aside all differences and come together to form a new party for the unity of St. Maarten. Meyers further explained that St. Maarten is going down a road where they would need all hands on deck and politicians should stop their fighting and put their hands together and begin fighting for the people of St. Maarten.
Party leader Theo Heyliger in his address said the UP party was created to meet the challenges of the 21st century. He described the UP as modern with the vision to work in a complex global economy, an organization that is based on timeless values which would be in keeping with the everyday needs and concerns of the people. Heyliger said it is the belief of the UP that country St. Maarten would require decisive leadership in the new era. "St Maarten cannot afford the old and divisive politics of the recent past that at time have crippled government and cast serious doubt on the ability to govern."
Heyliger said the people of St. Maarten need and deserve a viable alternative compared to the tired politics of ego and pride currently on offer. He said he has left that kind of politics behind simply because the people was forgotten therefore he is calling on the people to also leave that type of politics behind and join him as they move St. Maarten forward.
Some of the concerns of the UP are the alarming rise in crime and the enormous challenge placed on St. Maarten in a globalised economy. He said St. Maarten needs people who could provide solutions, such as ensuring jobs, providing stability in the economy's growth, affordable housing, safety and security must become a priority, while everyone must have access to proper health care. The tax system he said needs to be reformed, while the youths of St. Maarten must be able to get a sound education.
While Heyliger did not announce the candidates that will be contesting the election on the UP slate, the community can look forward to seeing people like veteran police officer Johan Janchi Leonard, Sylvia Meyers, Gregory Richardson, among others who are eager to lead St. Maarten to the next level.
Stealing the show on Saturday afternoon was Janchi Leonard who tried to convince the people that St. Maarten is in a desperate need for change as the island is facing serious troubles such as crime, and the lack of jobs. He said the UP is the start of a new era where the "boy and his dream' has become the Man on a Mission. Referring to Heyliger as the youngest island council member who has cemented his name in politics over the past years.
Leonard said the people have a right to be angry and frustrated and the members of the UP are deeply concerned and it is time for them to win back the confidence of the people. He said St. Maarten is hungry for new ideas, mostly for a new kind of politics and with the launching of the UP is what the people would get. Leonard described the UP as a mix of new blood and maturity, a formula that would create immediate impact. One of their missions he said is to create more jobs which will ultimately decrease crime, come with structured solutions to take better care of the elderly who has carved the road for this generation. Leonard said the UP will make sure they put in place a better system to fight crime and to root out the cancer, while investing more in the youths will be a priority. Leonard also reminded the public that they should not look for Janchi on the ballot instead they need to look for his correct name which is Johan Erwin Leonard, he said is bringing with him 41 years of policing, a former island council member, former chairperson of the domestic committee of the island council, former state secretary of justice, while his mission is to serve what the others have ignored.
