PHILIPSBURG:--- Democratic Party (DP) Vice President Stuart Johnson has tendered his resignation from the Democratic Party (DP) with immediate effect as vice president and party member, citing as his reason DP's "lack of cohesion" and the practice of a "top down leadership approach with no regard for the general membership. Johnson is a former candidate, DP youth wing president and one of the founding members of the Chapter for Professional Young People (CPYP).
Johnson, strong supporter of DP and an active member since age 14, wrote in his letter to DP long-time leader, Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams that the main reason for distancing himself the party is that DP has "failed to embrace its candidates who undoubtedly can positively contribute to our country."
Johnson is confident his former party leader Wescot-Williams understands first-hand the need for change, after all she did leave the PDP to join DP some twenty years ago. "Politically, our paths will cross again as our country needs leaders who can make nonpartisan decisions for the betterment of our young country," he said.
After several discussions with his family, friends and his support team, Johnson has decided not be a candidate on any party slate in the upcoming general election on any political slate.
Johnson thanked the DP leadership, board, members and supporters for embracing him and for seeing him once again as candidate material with the quality it seeks.
St. Maarten as a young country "desperately needs" more strong community oriented people who can continue to contribute genuinely without having to seek political office, said Johnson. "Evaluating the past four years of country, I have closely observed the progress and lack thereof in some cases. There is more work to be done. Our education system, quality health care, affordable housing for our people and our road network should be the focus of the upcoming governing term."
Johnson asked, "But the question we should ask ourselves is, who is the next visionary leader of St. Maarten? How do we have the aspiration and inspire us to reach our highest level? We need a stable one party Government with a mandate of the people that guides us and know how to do so without any hesitation."
Click here to view the resignation letter sent by Stuart Johnson to DP Leader Sarah Wescot Williams.
President of DP Board Reacts to Johnson's Resignation.
Dear Stuart,
Thanks for verbally informing me today, March 17, 2014 that effective immediately you are resigning from both the Board and the General Membership of the Democratic Party of St. Maarten. We look forward to your written confirmation today of same, addressed to our Party Leader, Mrs. Sarah Wescot-Williams.
While we regret your decision, especially now that the Democratic Party has been re-energized on many levels, we certainly respect same.
Best regards and know that just like for the many that have returned to our fold in the past months and specifically in the past weeks, there will always be room for you in the DP,should your expectations not pan out with the "other guys".
Respectfully,
Michael J Ferrier
President of the Democratic Party of St. Maarten
Johnson Reacts to Statements made by DP President.
Hello members of the press,
I have taken note of the message of DP president since my resignation. I hereby publicly challenge the DP president to prove an ultimatum was given to me. Over the weekend Mr. Ferrier made several attempts to contact me which was to no avail due to my busy weekend schedule.
I can imagine the party president is shocked of this development but I'm confident ifs the party was in touch with its membership, it would have noticed such before.
Regards,
Stuart Johnson