In a letter dated November 8, 2017 to the Chairman of the Island Council of St. Eustatius, Leader of the Progressive Labour Party Mr. Clyde I Van Putten informed the Chairman that effective December 1, 2017, he will relinquish the position of Faction leader of the PLP in the Island Council. He further informed that, as of said date his colleague in the council, Council Lady Ms. Rechelline Leerdam will assume this position of faction leader for the PLP.
The PLP leader said that this decision is in keeping with a promise he made at the beginning of the term, that after the first two years of this period of government that he will relinquish the position in favor of Ms. Leerdam, thus giving her the opportunity to gain more experience in this field. He further stated that it is the beginning of a process to prepare the younger generation to assume the mantle of leadership in the party as well as the governing process of St. Eustatius. Mr. van Putten said that he has every confidence that Ms. Leerdam is up to the task and will be able to effectively discharge her new duties as faction leader in the Island Council.
He concluded by saying that relinquishing this position will give him more time to focus on Constitutional Reform as well as the Social and Economic Development of the island. Van Putten remains leader of the Progressive Labour Party and leader of the Coalition Government.
Press Release by Clyde Van Putten