The late Dr. Claude Wathey is remembered by different people for different reasons. To some he is the father of modern St. Maarten, to others his legacy is more tainted. This memory of him seems to be weighing as the 93rd anniversary of his date of birth passed on Wednesday without the quiet fanfare of wreath-laying at his statue outside the old Government Administration Building.
The statue itself is in neglect. The metal is tarnished and vehicles are parked regularly around its base. In the past, his family, government, University of St. Martin which he was instrumental in forming, as well as the Democratic Party which he co-founded, the United People's (UP) party of his grandson Theo Heyliger, and others would come together to lay wreaths.
It is not known why no wreath-laying was conducted at his statue in town. The only recognition of the late Wathey this year was at namesake Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities.
