Adelka Spanner
ST. EUSTATIUS--“This is always a hopeful time of year, as we celebrate the end of one year, 2020, and the beginning of another. 2020 was a difficult year for all of us with the COVID-19 pandemic. This virus disrupted the lives of people worldwide and brought economic hardship and sorrow to so many people around the world,” said Democratic Party (DP) of St. Eustatius party leader Adelka Spanner in her New Year’s speech.
COVID-19 has killed at least 1,732,000 people since the outbreak in December 2019, and at least 78,678,300 cases have been registered worldwide. In Statia, 19 cases were registered and zero deaths. Spanner extended her sympathy to all who suffered the loss of a loved one during these trying times.
While 2020 was a difficult year, she said, there are still some projects that came to fruition in Statia in 2020. She named a few of the infrastructural projects that were carried out this year, such as the completion of the cliff project around historical Fort Oranje, the ongoing building of the F.D. Roosevelt Airport terminal and control tower, and the road projects at Cherry Tree, Jeems and Smoke Alley. She also mentioned the water projects, the holding tanks and the improved distribution lines.
“All these developments would not matter unless they are a benefit to the welfare and well-being of the people of Statia,” Spanner stated.
“The first phase of our transition back to the restoration of a full democratic government was started with the election on October 21, 2020, and the installation of our Island Council members on October 29, 2020,” Spanner said.
She also highlighted the work at the Golden Rock Resort which will continue throughout 2020-2021. She said that all this is important in achieving the long-term vision of a self-sufficient and sustainable Statia.
“As we embark upon a New Year, let us continue to build a better, more developed Statia for present and future generations,” said Spanner, wishing everyone a “happy and healthy” New Year.
