National Alliance (NA) candidate Patrick Illidge says he looks forward joining the Island Council and taking up all the responsibilities involved.
Illidge, who ran seventh on the NA list in the 2007 Island elections, received some 342 votes, making him the sixth highest vote-getter for NA. This places him next in line for a seat in the Island Council. If he takes the seat he will be replacing former Island Councilman George Pantophlet, who was sworn in yesterday as State Secretary of Health.
According to Illidge, his aim is to create new opportunities for the people of St. Maarten. "The people have given us a mandate in which all they ask is that government work on issues that will create a better future for them. I take that mandate very seriously and look forward to working hard to provide the best for the people of St. Maarten," Illidge said.
He said he would also like to continue focussing on issues that are important to the island’s youth. "As a young person I received a lot of opportunities, to go abroad and study, etc., and now that I am back, I would like to give back to the island by working to see that other young people also have a chance to benefit from similar opportunities," Illidge said.
He further stated that he was looking forward to cooperation between the two governing factions, because this would be in the best interest of the people.
"The people have given me their confidence and I want to know that at the end of my time in government I have given it my best. I am a firm believer in the fact that if we can to take St. Maarten to the next level and become the beacon of the Caribbean then we cannot continue like we are doing now."