GREAT BAY--In his address during the Constitution Day 2025 sitting of Parliament on Monday, October 13, Member of Parliament Viren Kotai, Faction Leader of the Democratic Party (DP), reflected on the party’s historic role in the birth and development of Country St. Maarten, reaffirming its continued commitment to good governance and service to the people.
“Good morning to all, to my colleagues in Parliament, distinguished guests in the tribune, and my fellow people of St. Maarten,” MP Kotai began. “This past week, we marked a defining chapter in our nation’s history. Friday, October 10th, marked 15 years since the birth of Country St. Maarten, a day forever etched in our collective memory as 10/10/10.”
MP Kotai said that this anniversary represents both pride and reflection. “As we commemorate this milestone, we do so with pride, because the Democratic Party, under the leadership of Sarah Wescot-Williams, delivered country status to the people of St. Maarten,” he stated.
He underscored that it was the Democratic Party that led the constitutional transition from island territory to country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, guiding the process with vision and purpose. “It was the DP that laid the institutional foundation for our democracy, for Parliament, for the Council of Ministers, for key oversight institutions like the Ombudsman, the General Audit Chamber, and the early integrity frameworks that continue to guard our good governance today,” he said.
Kotai also reminded Parliament that the first Prime Minister of Country St. Maarten was a member of the Democratic Party. “That was not coincidence,” he noted. “It was a symbol of trust, continuity, and stability at the very birth of our nation 15 years ago.”
He emphasized that the DP’s contributions went beyond words or symbolism. “The Democratic Party helped give birth to Country St. Maarten not just with words, but with work,” Kotai declared. “The framework of government was built protecting our democracy, giving meaning to the phrase country above self.”
Acknowledging that nation building is a shared responsibility, Kotai said, “As others build upon that foundation today, the Democratic Party stands proud, still believing that leadership means service and that true nationhood is measured not by status or symbols, but by the well-being of our people.”
Marking Constitution Day as both celebration and reminder, Kotai stated, “Today, as we celebrate our Constitution, we do so knowing that the Democratic Party’s fingerprints are on every institution, every law, and every milestone that defines who we are as a country.”
He reaffirmed that the Democratic Party remains steadfast in its values and purpose. “DP will continue to stand for good governance, people-centered leadership, and the promise of a stronger St. Maarten,” he said. “I would hope we can all act as responsible citizens, uphold the Constitution’s values, and contribute positively to society.”
Concluding his remarks, MP Kotai reflected on the journey of the past 15 years and the work that lies ahead. “Fifteen years later, our work continues, our commitment endures, and our belief in country above self remains unshaken,” he said.
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