Gracita: Vance James was one
of St. Maarten’s rare politicians
PHILIPSBURG--People’s Progressive Alliance (PPA) leader Gracita Arrindell Thursday paid tribute to the late Vance James Jr. who died early New Year’s Day, calling him one of St. Maarten’s “rare politicians… who believed the people should be told the truth – no matter how painful or unpleasant the truth could be.”
“I, like many others on St. Maarten as well as throughout the Kingdom of the Netherlands, was very saddened by the news of the passing of a good friend, political leader and colleague. Vance’s passing was much too soon in many aspects, not in the least, his desire to play a meaningful role in the constitutional change on Sint Maarten,” Arrindell said in her statement issued in her own name and on behalf of the board and members of the PPA.
She continued: “I will miss Vance and his wise and courageous advice and love of the people of this island. While he was very likable, and soft spoken, you always knew where he stood on the issues. Vance was one of the rare politicians on the island who believed the people should be told the truth – no matter how painful or unpleasant the truth could be.”
She said, “Vance will always be remembered as the politician who would rather choose the high road than the low road, as he once poignantly stated in an Island Council meeting years ago in one of his most critical political moments as leader of the former St. Maarten Patriotic Alliance (SPA).”
She extended condolences to James’ grieving widow Terry and their sons, saying, “Your husband and father will undoubtedly leave a deep void for you, as well as in the many lives he has touched here and abroad. He will be sorely missed. May his soul rest in peace.”
Arrindell also extended condolences to James’ “long-time friend and close business partner, Don Hughes and PJD2 radio network staff” and wished them “much strength and wisdom in the days ahead.”
