Minister of Culture Silveria Jacobs on Saturday.
PHILIPSBURG–Minister of Culture Silveria Jacobs said in her St. Maarten Day address on Saturday, “We want an example of true unity for St. Maarten; not just words, but tangible actions.” Speaking to a large gathering in front of the Government Administration Building, she reminded the public that unity should be displayed at all times, not just after a Hurricane Irma or Luis.
“The starting of St. Maarten Day began on the day I heard the St. Martin Smile Again song and the St. Martin song, at the gathering on the Waterfront.We have been hearing it over and over again. I want to appeal to everyone: Do not look for it only in our leaders, but to dig deep down in ourselves, because we need leaders in our homes, in every business, in every school and in every area of St. Maarten.
“Irma is shining a light which is forcing us to turn on our own lights, to be the light at the end of the tunnel. We are once again, similar to after Hurricane Luis, displaying resilience, brother- and sisterhood, unity. Sadly, somehow, as soon as electricity and water were restored, we began forgetting about our neighbours,” the Minister said.
“Let us not allow another Hurricane Irma or Luis to remind us who we are as St. Maarten people. We must continue to share and care for each other. Madame Vice President Damaseau and myself want to celebrate who we are, our music, our dance, our arts, our hearts and our souls, as we pour out our talents and skills to ensure this St. Maarten Day is a day to remember.
“We do not need to focus on the Dutch or French flag, or even the St. Maarten flag; we must focus on the people. St. Martin is you, St. Maarten is me, St. Maarten is us. Celebrate it with us, knowing what we have been through and appreciating and thanking God for where we are and knowing where we can be again.”
Jacobs also thanked French-side dignitaries for coming to the Dutch side to bring in the day with the Government and its people from both sides of the island present.
“As Government of St. Maarten, we allowed all vendors to register without charge to sell their goods as a good gesture towards the people of St. Maarten.
“We would also like to thank all artists who made the SXMSTRONG song possible by donating their talents and skills for the love of St. Maarten. Let us never let another hurricane come to remind us that we are St. Maarten Strong and we are smiling again,” she concluded.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/70936-jacobs-unity-should-be-displayed-at-all-the-times
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