PHILIPSBURG:--- A small but appreciative group of mainly DP members paid tribute to the late Dr. A. "Claude" Wathey, as the present DP leader and the party's VP laid a wreath at Wathey's statue in Philipsburg on July 24, the day of his birth.
DP, this time around was the sole organization at this venue during the annual observance of Wathey's birthday. In her brief remarks to those gathered to observe the occasion, MP Wescot reminded those present of the late Wathey's indelible mark on our island's development. "In his time and in his way he provided the foundation for modern-day St. Maarten", the DP leader commented.
"Because his vision in the early tourism days was one of economic development above political independence unlike many of his peers, we got a head-start in the tourism business. A head start, which we need to do our utmost to retain."
Too often the "40-year" reference (to DP's mainly uninterrupted rule) is used to criticize the ills of this period, without the appreciation for all the good it also brought all of us.
Beneficiaries of this period are today some of its biggest critics.
"But to a great degree, we are who we are, because of who we were."
Democratic Party paid tribute to the late Dr. Claude Wathey.
