PHILIPSBURG-Departing Member of Parliament (MP) and outgoing National Alliance (NA) leader Silveria Jacobs received praise and commendation as she officially stepped down from both roles during a parliamentary session on Thursday. The meeting marked the close of the shortest parliamentary term in St. Maarten’s history, lasting only seven months.
Jacobs was honored by her fellow MPs for her years of dedicated service. NA leader Egbert Doran presented her with a token of appreciation, while MP Ardwell Irion praised her leadership, stating that Jacobs had faithfully served St. Maarten since 2012, guiding the country through challenging times like Hurricane Irma and the global pandemic.
Irion highlighted her tenure as Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports (ECYS), and multiple terms in Parliament as examples of her deep commitment to public service. He emphasized that while Jacobs is stepping down from her leadership role, she will remain an important figure within the National Alliance and continue to contribute to the progress of St. Maarten.
MPs from other parties, including PFP’s Melissa Gumbs and UP’s Francisco Lacroes, also expressed admiration for Jacobs. Gumbs noted the challenges Jacobs faced as a woman in politics, while Lacroes hinted that this would not be the end of Jacobs’ political career.
In her farewell address, Jacobs reflected on her journey, expressing gratitude for the lessons learned and her continued dedication to serving St. Maarten in whatever capacity she can. She concluded by reaffirming her commitment to the island’s growth and prosperity.
Jacobs and Cloyd Marlin were not elected back to Parliament during the August 19 Snap Parliamentary Elections as part of the National Alliance faction.
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