GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (Wednesday, August 8, 2012)-From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams attended the farewell ceremony for Reverend Charles A. Seaton and his family at Philipsburg Methodist Chapel on Sunday. Reverend Seaton, who was Superintendent of the Methodist Circuit for St. Maarten, is leaving the island after three years of service to take up a new post in the British Virgin Islands.

While attending the service the Prime Minister mentioned that reverend Seaton has faithfully served the Methodist Church and the entire community of St Maarten during rather interesting and hectic times. “Reverend, you have served the Church and I dare-say St. Maarten during times when every so often we needed to be reminded to remain focused on what we wanted to do and what we wanted to achieve and I thank you for being there through that time and serving the community of our Country. I Also want to thank you for giving direction to St. Maarten through joining hands with other churches and with Government in giving the direction necessary for the island. Naturally when I make these statements I am referring to the ever-lingering questions on the separation between the state and the church. And today I can proudly say that on St Maarten that is not an issue for discussion anymore while it could have been otherwise”.

The Prime Minister also thanked Reverend Seaton for his contribution on behalf of the entire Council of Ministers. Also attending the service were His Excellency Governor Holiday and the Minister of Education, Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs the Honorable Silveria Jacobs. The Prime Minister concluded by wishing Reverend Seaton and his Family God speed and many blessings in his new posting.