Statia Commemorates 75 Years of Democratic Representation at “Legacy of Leadership” Celebration

July 5, 2026 REDAKSHON

Statia Commemorates 75 Years of Democratic Representation at “Legacy of Leadership” Celebration

Oranjestad, St. Eustatius, July 3, 2026.

The Registrar’s office of the Island Council proudly hosted Legacy of Leadership: 75 Years of Democratic Representation, a historic commemoration honoring the individuals and institutions that shaped the island’s political journey. The event brought together past and present leaders and community members to reflect on Statia’s democratic evolution and reaffirm the shared responsibility of safeguarding its future.

The ceremony featured powerful speeches from current serving Island Council members Mrs. Raquel Spanner-Carty and Mr. Glenville Schmidt, each offering a unique perspective on leadership, service, and the island’s enduring democratic spirit. A historical reflection was delivered by Island Registrar Mrs. Melissa Robins-Spanner.

Council Lady Spanner‑Carty spoke with warmth and conviction, paying tribute to the leaders whose sacrifices built the island’s democratic institutions. She underscored that leadership is fundamentally about service, listening to the community, responding to its needs, and ensuring that governance remains grounded in everyday realities.

Her message to the next generation was clear: learn from those who came before, carry the torch with pride, and continue strengthening Statia’s democratic foundation.

In a powerful and reflective keynote, Councilman Schmidt traced Statia’s political evolution over the past 75 years, acknowledging both triumphs and challenges. He emphasized that democratic representation requires transparency, courage, and a willingness to confront difficult issues.

Councilman Schmidt spoke passionately about preserving Statia’s cultural and political identity, urging leaders and citizens alike to remain engaged and vigilant. His message reinforced that democracy is not static; it must be actively protected and nurtured.

Officially Honoring Past and Present Island Council Members

During the ceremony, plaques commemorating years of public service were presented in honor of both living and deceased former Island Council members. Current Island Council members were also recognized for their dedication and commitment to serving the people of Sint Eustatius. The awards were presented by Island Governor Ms. Alida Francis.

Ceremonial Unveiling of the Recognition Wall

The ceremony, held on the front lawn of Fort Oranje, also featured the official unveiling of the Island Council Recognition Wall, a lasting tribute to 36 past and present Island Council members who have served Sint Eustatius since 1951, including the island’s first five elected Council members. The event was attended by more than 100 guests, including members of the Island Council, Executive Council, former Council members, their families, and other invited guests, who gathered to celebrate this historic milestone in the island’s democratic history.

The unveiling took place in the Hill Compound. The Island Governor presided over the ceremonial toast, followed by Mr. Walton Schmidt, the oldest living Island Council member, who performed the ribbon cutting to officially reveal the wall. Special recognition and thanks were given to former Island council member Ms. Adelka Spanner, who formed the basis of the research for the recognition wall.

The recognition wall will be placed in the Vincent Lopes legislative hall once the renovations are complete.

Island Council Members Archive

A historical record of all elected Island Council members, from 1951 to the present.

Vincent A. Lopes

Born: 09 October 1916
Date of Passing: 24 April 1984
Years of Service:
● 1951-1971
● 1972 – 1975
Political Party: Democratic Party (DP)

Leonard E. Sadler

Born: 25 August 1898
Date of Passing: 23 November 1970
Years of Service:
● 1951-1966
Political Party: Democratic Party (DP)

G. Andrea T. Heyliger

Born: 25 August 1898
Date of Passing: 23 November 1970
Years of Service:
● 1951-1955
Political Party: Democratic Party (DP)

Carl G. Buncamper

Born: 10 Jan 1905
Date of Passing: 22 December 1988
Years of Service:
● 1951-1971
● 1972 – 1975
Political Party: Democratic Party (DP)

Cecil C.L. Sprott

Born: 13 April 1892
Date of Passing: 04 October 1954
Years of Service:
● 1951-1954
Political Party: Union Reformista Antiliano (URA)

James H. Hooker

Born: 23 June 1894
Date of Passing: 30 June 1980
Years of Service:
● 1954-1959
● 1972 – 1975
Political Party: Union Reformista Antiliano (URA)

Charles A. Woodley

Born: 13 November 1924
Date of Passing: 27 November 1980
Years of Service:
● 1955 – 1980
Political Party: Democratic Party (DP)

Albert Schmidt

Born: 28 March 1924
Date of Passing: 19 July 1975
Years of Service:
● 1959 – 1963
Political Party: Democratic Party (DP)

A. Kenneth van Putten

Born: 29 Jan 1937
Date of Passing: 04 September 2014
Years of Service:
● 1966-1972
● 1979 – 1999
Political Party: Democratic Party (DP)

Ralph A. Berkel

Born: 06 December 1938
Date of Passing: 11 July 2017
Years of Service:
● 1967 – 1995
Political Party: Winward Islands People’s Movement (WIPM)

Clifton W. Berkel

Born: 02 October 1930
Date of Passing: 02 February 2012
Years of Service:
● 1971-1975
Political Party: Windward Islands People’s Movement (WIPM)

Eric E. Henriquez

Born: 25 November 1933
Date of Passing: 11 November 2023
Years of Service:
● 1971-1991
Political Party: Windward Islands People’s Movement (WIPM)

Harold O. Berkel

Born: 15 December 1917
Date of Passing: 29 October 1996
Years of Service:
● 1975-1979
Political Party: Democratic Party (DP)

Gifford Duinkerk

Born: 09 February 1916
Date of Passing: 12 January 1981
Years of Service:
● 1979 – 1981
Political Party: Winward Islands People’s Movement (WIPM)

Charles T. Hooker

Born: 04 May 1940
Date of Passing: 23 May 2006
Years of Service:
● 1980 – 1983
Political Party: Democratic Party (DP)

Walton A. Schmidt

Born: 05 October 1939

Years of Service:
● 1981 – 1983
Political Party: Windward Islands People’s Movement (WIPM)

Neuman N. Pompier

Born: 17 August 1952
Date of Passing: 02 July 2019
Years of Service:
● 1983 – 1991
Political Party: Democratic Party (DP)

Julian C.A. Woodley

Born: 19 March 1952

Years of Service:
● 1983 – 2011
Political Party: Democratic Party (DP)

Ingrid F. Whitfield

Born: 07 November 1954

Years of Service:
● 1991 – 2003
Political Party: Sint Eustatius Alliance (SEA)

Leonora Sneek – Gibbs

Born: 22 October 1949
Date of Passing: 23 May 2022
Years of Service:
● 1991 – 1994
Political Party: Democratic Party (DP)

Edris D.C. Bennett – Merkman

Born: 04 April 1966

Years of Service:
● 1994 – 1999
Political Party: Democratic Party (DP)

Clyde I. van Putten

Born: 28 September 1962

Years of Service:
● 1995 – 2011
● 2015 – 2018
● 2020 – present
Political Party: Windward Islands People’s Movement (WIPM), Sint Eustatius Alliance (SEA), Progressive Labor Party (PLP)