PHILIPSBURG – In a statement Philip van Delden said: “To God be the Glory. I’m Reinier Philip Maarten van Delden, I herewith annouce my candidacy on the PPA slate. My name was given to me by my father, Reinier Oswald van Delden, the former Lieutenant Governor of St. Maarten. He gave me this name to honor St. Maarten, which he so loved. The Philip is for Philipsburg and the Maarten is for St. Maarten.”
“My father was a great man, who served all the people on St. Maarten, a real down to earth person, whom anyone could talk to, night or day. He was a man of principle and integrity who lived many of his years in Simpson Bay and served any and everyone, while wearing his short pants.
He was not very tall. The older folks would call him ‘shorty.’ He was gifted with a great sense of humour, he could make anybody smile or laugh and always worked in their interest. Sharing this piece of history of my background is important in order for people to understand why I am stepping out to the plate and postulating myself on the PPA slate.”
Van Delden continued: “Now the question is who is Philip? I am the son of this soil, another down to earth person who grew up with the people of St. Maarten.”
“At that time the tourists used to throw quarters in the ocean for all of us and that was fun. You have to think outside of the box and not always follow the masses. I was the valedictorian of the first graduating class of Johnson and Whales in the year of 1991. Working many years in the public sector, I have seen where much needed improvement is required.”
He continued: “Many ask me what I have to offer. My reply, genuine love for St. Maarten and its people, and the drive to make things better for St. Maarten. I’m persistent and passionate in everything I do. My objectives and goals are to help change the system that is bogged down and improve efficiency, because this system is not working for the people of St. Maarten.”
Speaking passionately about his candidacy van Delden stated: “I’m ready to represent everyone on St. Maarten. One man is not an island, and that’s why together we can make a change, for a strong, stable and secure St. Maarten. If we don’t we will see our beautiful island fall to pieces.”
“Growing up on the Friendly Island, I spent a lot of my time in almost everybody’s homes and connected with the people. I am willing to work towards bringing back a more caring society, and not afraid to take a stand for what I believe in, even if means demonstrating for our rights. Honoring our past, our friendliness and caring society is the legacy I want to leave behind.”
Van Delden concluded: “We can try to do this individually or we can work together and actually make a difference. This is much bigger than all of us, the passion and fire is inside of me. I’m asking all the people on St. Maarten to get on this train and make a complete and positive change for all of us.”
