CAMPAIGNING IN ANGUILLA: Wescott Prepares For St. Maarten Poll

St. Maarten’s political leader, Sarah Wescott-Williams, who has close family connections in Anguilla, has extended her current re-election campaign to this island. She met at Nico’s Restaurant at the Caribbean Commercial Centre on Saturday May 3 with some thirty Dutch nationals and Anguillians and spoke on proposals related to the future of St. Maarten as well as voter-registration.

Mrs. Wescott-Williams, who was welcomed to Anguilla by Chief Minister, Osbourne Fleming, is Leader of Government, Commissioner and Island Council Member of St. Maarten. She holds a Master’s Degree and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration as well as an Associate Degree in Business and Finance. She is described as being “one of the most dynamic political forces in the North-eastern Caribbean.”

During the meeting she spoke about a number of matters affecting life in general in St. Maarten, but focused mainly on her party’s vision and commitment to see the territory obtain a separate status. The popular politician, who is hoping to interest a large number of voters to support the move, is placing much emphasis on this objective (as Commissioner for Constitutional Affairs and chairperson of the tripartite Political Constitutional Steering Committee). Since the referendum of June 23, 2000, she plays the leading and pivotal role in pressing for St. Maarten’s constitutional future as a separate country in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Anguillian Felix Fleming, who has family members residing in St. Maarten and holding Dutch citizenship, was among those who attended the meeting. He described Commissioner Wescott-Williams’ address and answers to questions as having been most inspiring. He noted that some of the pertinent questions were asked by Anguillians reflecting that they too were also thinking about their own constitutional position. He added that her address gave him a clear understanding about the future of both Maarten and Anguilla.

Mrs. Wescott-Williams’ re-election campaign is well underway. Dutch nationals in Anguillla who are desirous of registering to vote in St. Maarten are being invited to telephone Mona Harrigan at 497-4358 for further information.

Sarah Wescott-Williams