Leader SMCP remembers Joseph Richardson

Dear Editor,

The Board of the Sint Maarten Christian Party (SMCP) would like to extend sincere condolences to the wife, family and friends of the late Joseph Emmanuel Richardson, affectionately known as Joe.

“As leader of the SMCP, I have a strong connection to Mr. Richardson who was always a source of inspiration and encouragement to me,” Smith said. “Joe was the youngest person in the Netherlands Antilles to be appointed as Administrator, which inspired me to eventually also pursue a career in government.”

In October 1969, the well-known Ebony Magazine published an article about Joe (see photo above, Ed.), entitled “Saba’s Youngest Ruler” with as subtitle: “Administrator of remote volcanic island is only 24”. As a teenager I read and re-read this article many times. Several years later, even though I did not make it in the Ebony Magazine, the headline of one of the Dutch Antillean newspapers read: “Saba’s First and Youngest Lt. Governor at age 34”.

Joe was a man who was able to stand above politics and reach out across party lines. After entering active politics, whenever I met Joe he would always have a word of encouragement for me. I remember clearly his last words to me the last time we met. We talked about politics at bit and then he looked at me, smiled and said. “If I wasn’t committed to another party I would join the Christian Party”. Sint Maarten has lost a political icon who was committed to his country, Sint Maarten.

Therefore, on behalf of my brother and sisters, the members of the Sint Maarten Christian Party, and the people of St. Maarten, I hereby extend my sympathy to the family and friends of the late Mr. Joseph Richardson. May His Soul rest in Peace!

Wycliffe Smith