As the Superintendent Minister of the Saint-Martin Circuit of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas, I was placed in a very awkward position when no less than 3 of my members decided that they will be candidates to the presidency of the French Terri-torial Collectivity of Saint-Martin. To make things even more challenging, three persons that are also well known to me were in the race.
Looking back at it, I thank God for Mrs Ogoundélé, Mr Fleming, Mr Mussington, Mr Ri-chardson, Mr Gibbes and Mr Jeffrey. I thank God for democracy which gives to each one of us the right to voice our opinion. I thank God for the fact that He has allowed all six candidates and their teams to raise the bar and to truly offer various options for the future development of this side of the island and of its people. I thank God that wisdom prevailed over passion.
Today, the people has spoken and, a clear majority has emerged. On behalf of the "people called Methodists", I hereby congratulate the R.R.R. party and its leader Mr Alain Ri-chardson. On this new leg of the journey, may God’s wisdom and discernement be yours. May he be your keeper. May He be the wind under your wings and, may He be the Rock in which you find refuge when the storms of life threaten.
Stéphane Brooks