Rechelline Leerdam (Photo courtesy Rechelline Leerdam)
ST. EUSTATIUS--“As we slowly embark upon a New Year, it is good to reflect on the challenges we have faced and the lessons we have learned in 2020. For the first time in our history, we have experienced the harsh and negative impacts that a pandemic has on a society, though we are grateful to God that He has spared us from experiencing the grave realities of COVID-19,” said Progressive Labour Party (PLP) leader and Island Council Member Rechelline Leerdam in looking back on the year 2020.
Another first in the history of St. Eustatius is the concept of “partial” democracy, where after elections the governing body does not possess full authority, Leerdam said.
Leerdam said that worldwide, the effects of COVID-19 mean adopting and adjusting to a “new normal” which affects everyone’s daily life as they knew it before the pandemic.
“We Statians, we are also experiencing some abnormalities in our governing structure with the implementation of the ‘Temporary Act’. With the installation of the Island Council, Statia finds itself in a ‘peculiar’ situation in which two governing bodies share the responsibility of determining Statia’s future,” according to Leerdam. “As we work towards the restoration of full democracy, we will also be working on building a sustainable Statia, with the input of Statians.”
Leerdam said her party had used the final months of 2020 to assess what has been and is transpiring within the island government, and declared that 2021 will be a year for action.
“The PLP plans to work on improving and advancing agriculture and animal husbandry, continuation of the harbour development, build and improve social housing, implement additional social and cultural programmes, work towards the realisation of a dialysis centre and the execution of road projects.”
She said these plans are just a few of many that will help improve the quality of life in Statia by creating jobs, improving the population’s health and healthcare and building a sense of community. “We intend to achieve these goals by sitting at the table with the government commissioners. Only by working together will we be successful.”
Leerdam said that 2020 will go down in history as the year the world stood still, “the year the pandemic silenced every country, no matter their size, wealth or power.”
Although challenging, and despite the destructive impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it rekindled a spirit that has been slowly fading away. “Race, beliefs, ethnicity or nationality became non-existent as the world bonded together in the fight against the pandemic. This should be everyone’s example as the world enters into 2021, where all work together towards the development of Statia as the island continues to face the pandemic and many other challenges that will come their way.”
On behalf of the PLP board and membership, Leerdam wished “one and all a prosperous and progressive” New Year. “Preparedness, humanity, respect and togetherness will serve one goal: a better Statia for all,” she said.
