CULTURE: I opened, Ruby Bute’s voice still resonates | FAXINFO

January 28, 2026

More than sixty people gathered at the Silk Cotton Estate in Friars Bay for the official launch of J’ouvert, a major work by the Saint-Martin poet and artist Ruby ButeMore than just a book presentation, in collaboration with the Seafood AssociationThe evening established itself as a vibrant tribute to the one who was a guardian of the memory and voice of the island.

“J’ouvert is a heartbeat, the rhythm of Saint-Martin, with its laughter and its difficulties,” he emphasized. poet Wycliffe SmithThrough her lyrics, Ruby Bute reminded us of the importance of never forget your roots“Do not read J’ouvert only with your eyes, but with your heart,” he urged.
A vibrant work, blending poetry, dance, and heritage
Readings of poems in English and FrenchTraditional dances, stilt-walking performances, and Saint-Martin rumba rhythms punctuated the evening, driven by the young people of Funtopia Youth InitiativeThe emotion was palpable during Sabrina Charville’s reading of the Coffee & Soda Biscuit association, from “Don’t cry for me anymore”, one of Ruby’s favorite poems, or during the musical performance by Melissa Fleming.
A former student of Ruby Bute, Lucinda Audain, called for the transmission“We must keep our heritage alive and share it in several languages.” A message reinforced by the presence of the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Luc Mercelina, and Jacques Veeriz, former Minister of Culture and Education of Sint Maarten, who knew Ruby Bute well, when she was a promising young artist on an art scene dominated by men.
After the official launch of a bilingual book intended for distribution in schools on both sides of the island, the guests were then invited to discover the art gallery Ruby Bute Silk Cotton Grove, recently renovatedmarking another important step in the preservation of its artistic heritage. In this magnificent space or beneath the majestic kapok tree Which only blooms at night, the voice of Lady Ruby Bute continues to guide Saint-Martin, long after her absence.

Weep No More for Me

Weep no more for me…
ring the bells and open wide the door
for far beyond and further still
lies so much more to me.

So tardy not my journey
with useless grievance and crying.

I am the dew drops on a rose.
I am a well-composed song.
I am the dancing wind
that rises ever so suddenly.
A rainbow in the sky,
pink, purple and blue am I.
I was, I am, and will forever be.
Just look for me in every place.
You’ll find me if you can see.
By Ruby Bute, for Nanette Bearden

Don’t cry for me anymore

Don’t cry for me anymore…
ring the bells and open the door wide
because far away and well beyond
Inestimable quantities of things await me.

So don’t delay my trip
with needless sorrow and tears.

I am the dewdrops on a rose.
I am a well-composed song.
I am the dancing wind
which suddenly rises up.
A rainbow in the sky,
I am pink, purple, and blue.
I was, I am, and I will be forever.
Look for me everywhere.
You’ll find me if you open your eyes wide.

By Ruby Bute, for Nanette Bearden