GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Darryl York is encouraging the public to support the fourth edition of Let’s Talk Art, a cultural event scheduled for Sunday, November 29, 2026, at Emilio’s Restaurant, which will bring together St. Maarten’s history, heritage, artistic expression and traditional experiences under the theme “We Culture. We Heritage. We Story.”
York recently discussed the upcoming event and the importance of creating opportunities for residents, particularly younger generations, to experience and understand the traditions, stories and cultural practices that form part of St. Maarten’s identity.
The event, scheduled from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, will feature a Heritage Story Walk, historical and artistic exhibitions, traditional demonstrations, cultural performances, a keynote address, Caribbean cuisine and presentations by local creatives.
York explained that the foundation behind Let’s Talk Art has been organizing cultural and artistic activities for the past three years, including a major event at Motorworld last year and several smaller activities in between. He expressed confidence that the upcoming fourth edition would build on the success of those previous events while introducing a different experience for attendees.
Although the initiative has traditionally focused on St. Maarten’s creative community, York emphasized that this year's event is designed to reach a much wider audience.
"But this event is for everyone," York stated, explaining that the program will place creativity, culture and heritage at the center of the experience.
A new feature of this edition will be the inclusion of dinner as part of the event. York confirmed that this will also be the foundation’s first paid event, explaining that the expanded program and activities have resulted in a different approach to organizing the occasion.
Tickets are priced at $65 per person, with group discount packages available. The dress code is Caribbean Elegance with a Traditional Twist.
Beyond promoting the event, York raised concerns about the declining opportunities for cultural education and heritage preservation on St. Maarten. He argued that discussions about national pride, patriotism and national identity must be supported by meaningful efforts to expose young people to their country's cultural traditions.
York expressed concern about what he described as a reduction in government-led cultural activities, while recognizing the work of nonprofit organizations that continue to organize initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting local heritage.
He stressed that these organizations should not be expected to carry the responsibility alone, particularly in a country where tourism represents a major economic pillar and local culture forms an important part of the visitor experience.
According to York, the preservation of cultural knowledge is becoming increasingly urgent as older generations pass away, taking with them experiences, traditions and historical knowledge that may not have been adequately documented or shared.
He emphasized that events such as Let’s Talk Art provide opportunities for younger residents to learn directly from their elders while allowing older generations to celebrate and share the traditions they have maintained throughout their lives.
York also highlighted the importance of providing schools with adequate resources to expose students to St. Maarten’s history and cultural practices. He praised teachers for their efforts despite limited materials and argued that greater government support could help schools organize more meaningful cultural activities.
The MP maintained that cultural preservation cannot be achieved through occasional discussions about national pride alone. Instead, he believes the country must create environments where its heritage can be experienced, understood and passed from one generation to the next.
He explained that the upcoming Let’s Talk Art event represents one way of contributing to that objective, bringing together artistic expression, historical education and community participation.
York also confirmed that the foundation has been organizing its activities independently, without government involvement. With registration now open and seating limited, residents, families, cultural enthusiasts and groups are encouraged to participate in the November 29 event.
The fourth edition of Let’s Talk Art will take place at Emilio’s Restaurant from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, providing an opportunity to recognize St. Maarten’s cultural pioneers, experience local creativity and contribute to the preservation of the island’s heritage for future generations.
Registration and group reservations:
https://letstalkartsxm.rsvpify.com
