Philipsburg:--- Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin introduced a new candidate that will be contesting the September 17 election for country St. Maarten. While this is the first time the candidate is postulating on a political slate she is no stranger to the St. Maarten community.Marlin in his opening remarks said while it is difficult for mothers to step out and step up to the plate and put their hands on the deck to shape country St Maarten and prepare this country to become an independent nation in the Caribbean, Leona Romeo Marlin has decided to throw her hat in the ring and be part of the race on the National Alliance slate. Marlin said the upcoming election is important for St. Maarten since it is the first time the island people would have to elect a 15 member parliament as well as seven ministers to form the local government.
Marlin made it clear that the National Alliance is a committed team and they are not a playing hide and seek game. Marlin said some ten years ago the National Alliance team made a commitment to St. Maarten when the people voted for separate status and they are determined to see it through to the end, this is the reason why his party remained steadfast, focus and with their eyes on the ball despite the challenge. So far he said the National Alliance has had several successful discussions with the Dutch and Antillean government including the document he signed on September 30 that states that 10/10/10 St. Maarten will become country.The new comer to the political arena has the support of her family and friends who hails from both sides of the island. Among them were her mother, father, husband, sister, brother and her minor children.
Leona Marlin a native by birth attended school in St Maarten and the Netherlands holds a bachelor's degree in political science, and a master's degree in international relations. Leona or Lioness held her first job with the S4 foundation that is based in Holland and she now heads the census office.
Marlin said she has been extremely humbled as many people within the community and even the different political parties have encouraged her to be a candidate for the 2010 election. She said she went on a quest with the issues that are facing the St. Maarten community and has asked people for ideas on what type of changes they would like for their island and future country. Marlin said based on her background and knowledge she believes that she is fully able to contribute to the efforts that was already started by the National Alliance. She said she chose to be part of the solution, and she is concerned about finding proactive, realistic and supportive solutions for the rising crime rate, to create opportunities for the young people. Marlin said she also believes that they would need to look at immigration reform, since the recent Brooks Tower Accord is a testament which shows that more policies needs to be developed that would reflect a healthy balance based on the labor market and the challenges facing the island. Marlin said another priority for her is to make sure the education system is evaluated and improve the areas that need to be improved. Marlin said St. Maarten needs competent and innovative solutions and young professionals to take on the challenges facing the island. Leona Marlin declared she is ready and to be part of the National Alliance Team (Together Everyone Achieves More) as they win the September 17th election to take St. Maarten Forward.
The National Alliance will be introducing another new candidate on Sunday he is no other than Dr. Lloyd Richardson, the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) doctor.In the meantime, SMN News has learnt that Christopher Emanuel would also be contesting the election on the National Alliance slate. Emanuel was also part of Romeo Marlin's launch on Saturday.
