"You will make a difference in being a part of the VKS and remember that calling which made you want to serve the VKS and by serving the VKS serving the people of St. Maarten." The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams oversaw the installation and promotion of various members and officers of the Voluntary Corp of St. Maarten (VKS) on Saturday afternoon. The Prime Minister, under whose authority the VKS falls also congratulated the VKS on 15 years service in protecting and serving the community of St. Maarten and those who have been with the organization since the very beginning: "I join all those congratulating the VKS on the 15th anniversary of the Voluntary Corp here on St. Maarten. I also wish to acknowledge those persons who have been with the VKS from the very beginning and for their loyal service in protecting our community here on St. Maarten," commented the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister commented that the preparation of the VKS as a para-military organization for Country St Maarten was a smooth one due to the work and dedication of the pioneers of the VKS as well as the work executed by the organization since its establishment in 1997. "Moving from the VKS of the Island Territory of St. Maarten to that of Country St. Maarten was in fact a technicality since legislation needed to be changed. However the work of the VKS could have gone on seamlessly because of the hard work and dedication done by the Corp since it started in 1997", continued the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister also congratulated and thanked the family members of those in the VKS who have stood by them as they put their put their life on the line to protect and serve the people of St. Maarten.
"To those of you who have become members as of today; whatever your reason for joining the VKS I need you to realize and recognize the importance of your individual contribution to the VKS and working with all your team members and superiors to make sure that your oath is upheld and that you continue to be an active member of the community of St. Maarten especially when called upon in difficult times. You will make a difference in being a part of the VKS and remember that calling which made you want to serve the VKS and by serving the VKS serving the people of St. Maarten."
The Prime Minister concluded by stating that as with so many things in life the role of being a VKS officer brings with it a degree of authority that can be compared with power, power to act, power to decide, power to make a call. "With that authority and power comes great responsibility and care. You now have to handle this authority according to the guidelines that have been established by and for the Voluntary Corp of St. Maarten. You will be called to make a choice, a call, and I encourage you to when you do so to recognize the authority you have in your hands and to make the best call you can make, especially in difficult circumstances," concluded the Prime Minister.
The evening continued with a Thanksgiving Church Service at the St. Maarten of Tours Catholic Church followed by a reception at Holland House Hotel.
