Dear Editor,
Today is being observed as International Women's Day. As such, humanity pauses to pay regards to the many women who have, over the years, made immense contributions to their individual communities, and more laudable, to the wider society.
Owing to this fact, the Democratic Party Family feels it would be thoughtless if it were to allow this day to pass by and not pay recognition to the women who have individually and collectively contributed to the success of the party over its 55 years of existence.
We owe tribute to Mrs. Rosie Labega, wife of the late Clem Labega (co-founder) and mother of Senator Erno Labega. Tributes are due to her for sharing in and supporting her husband's vision of the formation of the Democratic Party and for her indelible support over the years.
Acknowledgements for the tremendous contributions and numerous sustainable developments on our beloved island are due to our present party Leader, Councilwoman Sarah Wescot-Williams. Among the many contributions are her vision and support of compulsory education, vocational education, the Brooks Tower Accord, training and upgrading of civil servants, the new Government Building, GEBE's underground new engines, fibre optic cable, Melford Hazel Auditorium, investors, Philipsburg Jetty, Festival Village confidence, and Constitution for Country St. Maarten, just to name a few.
These gestures have greatly contributed to the advancement of our Island Territory. The fact that she holds the record of longest-serving female political leader, longest-serving female Commissioner and longest-serving female Island Council member speaks to her level of commitment and capabilities in governing and handling the affairs of the island. She has wholeheartedly served as Member of Parliament, Acting Island Secretary and Department Head.
Worthy of public recognition are the remarkable contributions of Councilwoman Maria Buncamper-Molanus who has served as Member of Parliament for four years, State Secretary of Personnel and Automation, and Commissioner of Public Health, Economic Affairs, Sports, Telecommunications, Culture and Youth Affairs. She has been an Island Council member since 1995. She is also the first woman to be President of the Chamber of Commerce.
Mention is also to be made of Valerie Giterson, who unreservedly served as Island Council member from 1987 to 1991, and Education Commissioner from 1989 to 1991, and Patricia Flanders, who served unconditionally in the same capacity as Island Council member and Commissioner. Notice must also be taken of the work of Millicent de Weever, who served as Member of Parliament. She also served as Island Council member, though not for the Democratic Party.
We would also like to use this medium to salute the contributions of the many women who gave their support to us by running for office. Among them is Leader of the Progressive People's Alliance Gracita Arindell.
Much thanks also to the women of the Democratic Party's Women's Wing, and those women who have remained committed to electing us to office, and to those whose support we will earn in the future Special thanks also to those who have given their support in other, numerous ways.
In closing, heartfelt gratitude and a warm welcome to our newly appointed female candidates Rishelda Emanuel and Marinka Gumbs, who have recently accepted the challenge to, above all, sincerely and diligently serve their much-loved island. We are confident that they will continue to uphold the ideals and policies of the Democratic Party.
Once more, thanks to all for your support, without which the party would not exist. Continue to give light so the people will move on. Happy International Women's Day.
Rhoda Crawford
for the Democratic Party family
