Caretaker PM Wycliffe Smith with the Secretary General of the UNESCO St. Maarten Marcellia Henry and the Head of the Department of Culture, Clara Reyes (partly hidden) at the ceremonial launch of the Inventory of St. Maarten’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
PHILIPSBURG–An Inventory of country’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) was launched during a ceremony on Constitution Day on Monday.
Acting Prime Minister Wycliffe Smith said the Department of Culture and the Office of the Secretary General of UNESCO have worked hard over the past four years to document and register the elements of St. Maarten’s local identity and its culture. “Our cultural heritage is rich with generational lessons of flora and fauna, food and drink, music and dance, language and trade. As St. Maarteners, we have much to be proud of. The history of our people is embedded in the stories of our ancestors, in the music and dance of our souls, in the food and the remedies of our soil and in the occupation of our hands,” Smith said.
“Intangible Cultural Heritage has been recognised by the United Nations because of its value to the people of every nation, creed and tongue … As we launch the Inventory of our Intangible Cultural Heritage on the ninth anniversary of the establishment of our Constitution, we, the people are preparing ourselves and the next generation to reflect on our history, to appreciate our present and to chart our future.”
He said nine years ago St. Maarten became its own country with its own constitution and the country celebrates its uniqueness as a people with its very unique culture. “Today’s celebration further underlines this unique identity with the official launch of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory … The Constitution of St. Maarten is our golden guide to the establishment and development as a civilised nation and people. It may be just nine years since it was ratified, however, our people have been progressively operating by its principles for many decades. Though it is our guide, it was created by the people, of the people and for the people. We, the people, are the living examples of our Constitution and it is our collective responsibility to protect it, uphold it and if ever necessary, to amend it for the betterment of our nation.”
Smith said in recent times, the need for adjustments so that lessor laws would be more aligned constitutionally was seen. “I encourage us as leaders to stop and seriously consider the work that needs to be done to protect the rights of our people and to strengthen the framework of how we, the people are governed. We have seen how the Constitution can be used to obtain power, but some of us have forgotten that with that power comes even greater responsibility. Now is the time to use the words of this document, whose words we recognise here today, to build hope, to give guidance and to ensure that we, the people of St. Maarten will continue to rise to greatness.”
“Let us be reminded that we are all equally accountable to the people whom we were placed here to serve … We should take this opportunity here today to remember our promise to the people of St. Maarten and that those of us in positions of power and authority should not serve self, but that we should direct our efforts to the betterment and progress of our brothers and sisters of this great country. None of us are above any other citizen of this island. We are all equal in the eyes of the Almighty God and in the words of our Constitution and we should act as such and we should be treated as such – whether it be in pursuit of prosperity or in the pursuit of justice. It is time to use the Constitution to do what it was intended for – to create a level playing field for all and to empower our people to pursue their full potential.”
Smith said while he calls on the leaders, he reminded everyone that the Constitution, legislation and government are a reflection of the people. “We, the people, are the ones who determine who our leaders are and how our laws are upheld … I remind you … to assert your authority and execute your responsibility as the guardians of our heritage as a Friendly Island, rich with culture and virtue.”
He said while as a country, St. Maarten is young, as a people the country is experienced. “We have been here through St. Maarten’s worst times, but we have also contributed to her being at her best. The Constitution is a means to bring order to chaos; it is the governing charter to bring stability to a country; it empowers the people to direct their destiny and forge a future for those to come. I encourage all residents to continue to be good citizens. Continue to do your part to keep St. Maarten true to her motto, always progressing. Together, we, the people will build on the heritage of our ancestors, strengthen the pillars of our society and position our children and grandchildren for great development.”
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/91716-inventory-of-country-s-intangible-cultural-heritage-launched-mon
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