Philipsburg: --- The island council of St. Maarten bade farewell to Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards who will reach his pensionable age of 60 on August 10 2010. Richards who is currently on vacation will be relieved of his duty by her majesty on August 10th.
Leader of government William Marlin in his address to Richards and the island council said the executive council has decided to appoint the outgoing governor to take up the position on council of Judicial Affairs. Marlin said the executive council has met with Richards to discuss their proposal to which he has accepted. Richards even though a pensioner when this council is established will be representing St. Maarten on the three member council who would have the task of overseeing good governance in the justice chain.
The council known as lid zan de Raad voor Rechtshandving will have a member from St. Maarten in the person of Franklyn Richards, a member from Curacao and one from the Netherlands. It is understood the chairman ship of this council would be rotating every three years. SMN News further understands that the members of this council will be appointed based on the Royal Decree.
During the farewell ceremony there were representatives of the government owned companies, former senator Marcel Gumbs, former Acting Lt. Governor Millicent Acuna Lopez De Weever, the first lady Angela Richards and other well wishers.
Several of the island council members including Sarah Wescott Williams, Louie Laveist, Frans Richardson and Theo Heyliger referred to the Sheriff and the Cowboy statement that was used by Richards to describe his role compared to the role of the politicians.
They also wished the outgoing governor well on his future endeavors and credited him for the way he held his ground when chairing both the executive and island councils. Heyliger in his address spoke of the several heated discussions he had with Richards during his tenure as well as the advice he received from Richards when they worked together. Councilman Louie Laveist made known that he has no grudges against Richards even though they had their differences. Laveist said he on several occasions spoke of the difference of opinion he and Richards had during the ten years Richard served as chairman of the island and executive council. Island Councilmember Roy Marlin reminisced on the days when he and Richards were growing up and the days the spent together discussing. Marlin reminded the council that even though Richards was appointed by Her Majesty, the appointment he said is done based on political recommendations. The members of the council gave praise and they expressed their gratitude to first lady Angela Richards for allowing her husband to serve St. Maarten in such a capacity. Marlin said if they or the Democratic Party had the power they would have kept Richards in his position until St. Maarten achieves its country status which is 10/10/10. Councilman Leroy De Weever considered the statements made by the council members and the praises they bestowed on Richards to be hypocritical. De Weever said Richards had to be sent home because the hammer fell.
In his own address outgoing Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards said he was honored to hold the governor's office for close to ten years. Setting the record straight Richards said on September 12, 2000, he was appointed by Royal decree as Governor of the island territory of St. Maarten by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix, and as he approaches retirement age he will be consequently discharged by no one other than Her Majesty the Queen on August 10, 2010.
Richards said as he looks back at the decade he recognizes a most fascinating period which so many have played a crucial role in the development of St. Maarten and he is more than grateful to have served the island territory of St. Maarten as "Gezaghebber".
He said his departure comes at a time when currently, great changes are taking place. "We stand on the verge of becoming country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This after, the citizens of St. Maarten expressed their desire for a change in status during a referendum held 10 years ago."
He cautioned and hopes that with St. Maarten achieving its country status, the welfare of the inhabitants of St. Maarten will not be taken lightly. Richards also called on the future Ministers and members of parliament to promote good governance and transparency and participation of the people in the deliberation and decision-making of Government. The presence of proper checks and balances is an indispensable condition for the proper functioning of authorities.
Some of the members of the island council and civil servants saying goodbye to Richards after the extra-ordinary island council meeting on Wednesday.
