Pantophlet exits the political arena to focus on professional development

PHILIPSBURG — Valya Pantophlet, who contested the 2018 elections as a candidate on the United Sint Maarten Party (USP) slate, has submitted her resignation to the Board of the US party ahead of the upcoming Parliamentary elections.

In her letter, Pantophlet explains that she has also decided to exit the political arena for the time being, while she focuses on obtaining a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in law. A quest she set out to achieve, when she enrolled in law school in August 2018.

Now a second year law student, Pantophlet wishes to reassure her supporters and well-wishers that she will be back. “My decision to focus on my professional development was done with my country at heart. Once I have accomplished this goal, I am confident that I will be in a better position to serve the people of Sint Maarten in a professional capacity for the betterment of our country. For now, however, I must step away and continue to serve as a respected, dignified and professional public servant, while I continue to endeavor towards my law degree, which I expect to attain by 2024.“

As it pertains to the recent political developments, Pantophlet feels that it is unfortunate, given the country’s dire financial situation, that we are again in this political quagmire, but emphasizes that such will continue to be the case until serious efforts are made towards electoral and possibly constitutional reform. “It is these types of issues that became the driving force behind my desire to get involved politically. However, following the last elections, I felt like my passion extended beyond politics. It was not just about running on a list, but truly affecting change for generations to come. I sincerely believe that a degree in law will allow me to realize this passion to contribute to the development of Sint Maarten, whether I am inside of the political arena or not.”