DAWN BEACH–Three persons received royal decorations for their longstanding and continued involvement in the development of the community through training, youth and sports development and medical, emergency care and response.
Pinned by Governor Eugene Holiday on the occasion of the 50th birthday of King Willem-Alexander were Elmora Pantophlet-Aventurin, Theo Liu and Joana Rijnboutt. All three were decorated as member in the Order of Oranje Nassau at a ceremony held in The Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort and Spa on Wednesday evening.
“A review of the contributions of these three persons to the St. Maarten community reveals a common thread of reaching out to foster healthy bodies and minds,” the Governor said. “… They have influenced and as such helped to positively shape the lives of many in our country over a prolonged number of years.
“Their committed involvement in the development, health and wellbeing of others, and particularly of the youth, in service to our country for a significant part of their lives, is a necessary building block for a stronger, more resilient and sustainable St. Maarten community. As such, they serve as an example for all of us to become more involved in fostering a healthier and stronger St. Maarten,” he said.
The recognition of the three recipients fits into the theme of the evening, hosted by the Governor and First Lady Marie Louise: “Fostering Healthy Bodies and Minds.” The theme, according to the Governor, was chosen to emphasize that reaching out to foster healthy bodies and minds, through physical activity, such as, sports, dance and the care and development of our youths, is an important component of our nation’s socio-economic development.
“Put differently, the active participation in sports, dance and music improves each individual’s health and that of our community,” he told the gathering.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/65520-three-receive-royal-decorations
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