PHILIPSBURG:--- The White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF) proudly celebrated International Day of Older Persons on October 4 with its annual festive gathering at the St. Martin’s Home. The event, held in the Home’s renovated dining room, brought together clients and their families for an afternoon filled with music, laughter, and quality time.
This annual celebration honours the wisdom, life experience, and lasting contributions of Sint Maarten’s older persons community. The atmosphere was vibrant, with live performances by The Control Band, The Harmonic, and captivating steel pan music setting the tone for a joyful occasion. Guests also enjoyed energetic dance performances, which added extra flair to the festivities.
Laughter filled the room as families and clients danced, sang along, and shared cherished moments together. Refreshments and drinks were available for sale, and of course, the Ponche Cuba flowed freely, adding to the celebration.
“The celebrated International Day of Older Persons is one of our favourite events of the year,” said Laurencia Marlin, the main organizer of this event. “It’s wonderful to see our clients and their families enjoying themselves, connecting through music and dance, and celebrating life together.”
The WYCCF extends heartfelt thanks to Red Alert, who sponsored the beautiful T-shirts, as well as Office World, Kadaster, and Kreative Juices for their generous support.
A special thank you also goes out to all the staff, volunteers, musicians, and families who made this day such a success. Viola Stevens.
We especially thank the nursing staff, domestic workers, and kitchen team for the delicious food that was so thoughtfully prepared. Appreciation also goes to the main organizers of the event, Mrs. Laurencia Marlin and Mrs. Annick Hughes. But also to Mrs. Macfolda, Nurse Mildred, and the Social Committee members for their contributions, and to Mrs. Irene for arranging the sponsorship of our T-shirts through Red Alert. Our gratitude extends to the maintenance and laundry teams, and to the Nursing Home and Elderly Care clients who helped create the beautiful table centerpieces.
The event also featured wonderful performances by the Charlotte Brookson Academy, Jolly Dancer Ingrid Hermance, and her granddaughter Makiya Marlin, as well as a heartfelt poem by Tamara Groenveldt. Thanks to Nurse Nikita, Nurse Maxwell, and all the client families who helped on the day of the event. Special appreciation to the Methodist Reverend for opening the program in prayer, and to our M.C. Nkosasana.
Events like these highlight the Foundation’s commitment to providing not only quality care but also joy, connection, and community for the elderly of Sint Maarten.