PHILIPSBURG–Independent Member of Parliament (MP) Franklin Meyers and his newly formed political party – St. Maarten Action Movement (SAM) – have pulled out of the 2020 election race.
Meyers made his decision “after much thought and consideration.” The MP will instead gear up for the following elections in the more distant future.
Meyers, who recently established SAM, said: “The preparations that are necessary to organise a political party for an election is no easy feat as there are several moving parts. In the case of the recently created SAM, there is much to do in a very short time frame. While the preliminary groundwork has been done, I would rather sit this election out and focus my energy and political experience on solidifying the platform on which the SAM will be built,” Meyers said.
The MP said he, along with like-minded supporters, would make ongoing efforts to further strengthen the foundation and the underpinnings of the SAM, and lead the way for St. Maarten to re-establish itself as the pearl of the Caribbean.
He thanked the population and in particular those who have supported him over the years, for their support. He expressed “great admiration” for the up-and-coming generation of young politicians “who seek to make a meaningful contribution towards the country.”
He cautioned candidates who will be contesting the upcoming elections to, at all cost, “keep the people of St. Maarten at heart and if they are so privileged to be elected, to always place country above self. The people deserve that. Leadership is a privilege to better the lives of others. It is not an opportunity to satisfy personal agendas,” he said.
