Gert-Jan STORTELERS, Represattive Dutch Government Philipsburg,
Dear Gentleman.
Please allow me to address you both in your capacities of local St. Maarten representatives of the Dutch Government and of H.M Queen Beatrix
As you know, the much anticipated celebration of Queen's birthday this year, has been turned into a totally unexpected drama, with a number of casualties of which at this moment four fatalities.
This sad event is having a traumatic impact, not only on our brothers and sisters in the Netherlands, but also within the entire Dutch Kingdom.
It almost incomprehensible, why such an act was perpetrated on innocent people, who went out to celebrate one of the most important traditional festivities in the Kingdom, known as 'Queen's birthday', a day that 'binds' every citizen of the Dutch nationality to the Kingdom.
Under these very tragic circumstances, we would like to believe that there are many citizens on our island, who would appreciate the opportunity to express their sentiments and share their grief with their fellow Dutch citizens in the Netherlands.
In order to contribute towards this process of reflection, mourning and especially of support for the House of Orange and the Dutch people, on behalf of our foundation, we humbly suggest you set up a condolence-register which sympathizers can sign.
After all, as log as we wish to be part of the Dutch Kingdom and avail ourselves of all benefits, it should only be fitting for us to also in times of sadness and bereavement express our support to our counterparts in the Motherland.
Thank you
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia.
