United Peoples party (UP) Member of Parliament Message
Hon. Gracita Arrindell
Today, Sunday July 24, 2011, we commemorate two special occasions.
First; today would have marked the 85th birthday of the late Dr. Claude Wathey. The birthday of the most recognized of founding fathers of modern day Sint Maarten, Dr. Albert Claude Wathey. It is no Coincidence that he shared his birthday with Simon Bolivar, El libertador, who freed six Latin American republics from Spanish rule in 1783.
A man whom left his undeniable mark as well as his many contributions , forming the basis for the continued development of our young nation. Dr. Wathey was a man whom many revered. He was also, a man whom I and many admired and respected. Happy Birthday ‘ol man’, may your legacy continue, and transform this Country in a better and brighter future for our Citizens.
Secondly; we are here to mark the first anniversary of the founding of the United Peoples party. Congratulations!
This special day marks yet another milestone in our young nation’s history. One year ago, joining together, determined, not which party will form the 1st government for Country Sint Maarten. Joining together paved the way for determined and visionary minds to Excel for Sint Maarten and its people. Congratulations Minister Theodore Heyliger, for being a visionary once again.
To my Honorable Colleagues Parliamentarians of the UP/ DP/Illidge coalition and to the Honorable Ministers, I offer these words of encouragement;
Every step we make, every word we utter, will be scrutinized, weighed for the merits and non merits of our actions. We are under a huge magnifying glass. That goes with the territory. We must stay focused and concentrate on what brought us together in the first place; a common passion to make this place, better, safer for all. The legendary Will Rogers once said;
‘Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there’. We are setting the benchmarks, starting from scratch with much left undone prior to 101010. Constructive criticism is a condition sine qua non for our nation’s future. No one government is perfect.
This is neither the time nor the place to elaborate on the achievements, and challenges of the government and parliament of our young country Sint Maarten. It’s a chance to again publicly give thanks, first and foremost to God Almighty, for giving us Faith and Strength as we continue to build a firm foundation for future generations of Sint Maarteners.
Today, we re- affirm our commitments we made one year ago. We re- assure you that we will keep our promises made. We will not let you down.
Last but certainly not least; A huge Thank you goes out to our supporters, their family and friends for their continued support, dedication and prayer as we commemorate our party’s first year. Without you, we would not be here today. God Bless you.
Today, July 24, 2011, we are standing firm and united. The UP/DP/Illidge coalition is a government of the people, for the people, by the people. United in our commitment to deliver on the promises we have made to the people of this country, we all love dearly.
Finally;
The United Peoples party and its coalition partners will work even better, smarter. A firm basis for this Country has been laid over the past nine months. We continue steadfast in the next 12 months and beyond. As a nation of God fearing, hard working people, let us take that journey together in dialogue instead of conflict.
This is a great opportunity to make the dream of a better Sint Maarten a reality. We can do it. May God continue to bless our nation and its great people!
Thank you. God Bless you.