The flags flying at half-mast at the Government Building on Wednesday.
PHILIPSBURG–Based on an advice from Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI Egbert Doran the flags at government buildings around the country will be flown at half-mast. This will be done in memory of the nine persons who tested positive for COVID-19 – in St. Maarten – and passed away as well as those suffering as a result of COVID-19.
Doran made the suggestion in the Council of Ministers meeting on Tuesday and Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Silveria Jacobs said the suggestion was a good one, which is being implemented.
Jacobs said the Council of Ministers has decided that the country is in a period of mourning and flags will fly at half-mast until it has been determined that the country is out of the COVID-19 pandemic. She also called on the population to observe a moment of silence at 12:00pm daily as part of this process.
The flags will fly at half-mast “in solidarity with the pain and suffering” that many on the island are enduring. Jacobs said although not all nine deaths in St. Maarten are directly related to COVID-19 as two of the cases were inconclusive – the persons had underlying medical conditions – the country should honour every soul that has passed. She urged residents to pray and meditate – irrespective of what faith they may be – for those who have passed away.
She expressed hope that no other life in the country is lost to COVID-19.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/st-maarten-in-period-of-mourning-flags-at-half-mast-at-govt-offices
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