ORANJESTAD, St. Eustatius – New Leadership for the PLP means – Passing the baton on to the next generation, allowing us to continue the charge with new visions, new ideas, different leadership qualities and the same goal, a better Statia for the now and the many generations to come.
Some may say both positive and negative things about my predecessor. To me, I thank him for both and will learn from his mistakes and carry on his successes. I thank him for being that voice and standing firm on
countless occasions when many were afraid to do so, I thank him and the PLP for trusting in me and granting me the leadership and showers of support to carry on a significant task at one of the most critical times in Statia’s history.
PLP has always been an innovator, a voice, and a visionary for the progress of Statia and its people. Leadership is not a one size fit all and will not be the same from generation to generation. My leadership will be tailored positively to the tasks ahead of us with new ways of communication, cooperation and innovative ideas that will bring relief in the areas necessary, support where it is obviously needed and progress for Statia and all of its people no matter the political color, race or religious belief.
Many ask what are your plans as the new leader of PLP? During my course of leadership I will continue to uphold the core principles of the Party, repackage the old and most of all get this generation involved in the development of Statia and preparing them for the many leadership roles that is so important to maintain, sustain and develop our Statia in the ways it is so desperately deserving.
I see leadership as a collective team effort. The future of Statia should be determined by the People of Statia and therefore various groups will be established such as Youth wings, Women’s Wing, Men’s Wing and community leaders who will all represent the various sectors of Statia.
Since 2010, my team and I have heard the many cries of our people and ensured those cries were brought forward and will continue to be brought forward in a positive and constructive manner until they are
addressed.
In 2015 we embarked upon a journey for change. Change is an easy word to say but very hard to realize in a community that is misinformed purposely by some of our very own.
However, we will continue to improve and embark upon the many things we have already started:
- The deficiencies of Healthcare
- Creating Jobs in the Maritime industry
- Revive our agriculture and animal husbandry
- Train and upgrade our personnel in the various government departments
- Introduce new ideas to boost our local economy
- Continue seeking alternatives to the medical school which had such a positive impact on residents and the economy of Statia
- and our most prized accomplishment was developing unity in the community as we worked tirelessly towards building Statia the way Statians would like to see it along with many other points which will be publicized at a later date.
I stand to tell you that our determination for the betterment of Statia and its people is not fractured, broken, or forgotten. We will continue the work we began in 2015 and reach out to the Federal Government in unity and for equality despite the unfortunate, untruthful, and undemocratic acts displayed in February of 2018.
Through my leadership I will give respect and respect is expected in return. I will give my all and expect everyone island wide to do their part respectively. I will stand for you and hope that you stand beside me. By now, everyone should be able to understand that we Statians must work 10 times harder than the rest of the world, we must make great and calculated decisions now to ensure a fertile Statia and that is not something that a Leader can do on their own. Therefore, I encourage and challenge you to stand with me and the Progressive
Labor Party in positive spirit as we enter into a new chapter that will ensure the progress of Statia bring returns to Statians and those that call Statia their home.
With all that being said, I would like to take this opportunity to announce that PLP will be taking part in the upcoming 2020 Island Elections.
Stay tuned for more information and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PLP and thank you for listening or viewing this address and hope that you continue to get all the information necessary to make a conscious decision by supporting PLP this October.
I would like to leave you with a quote from Mother Theresa: “You can do what I Can’t do, I can do what you cannot do, together we can do great things”.
To God and you, I say Thank you!
