PHILIPSBURG:--- International Peace Day in Sint Maarten will be commemorated on September 21st. The Rotary Club of Saint Martin Sunrise invites the general public to a Peace Declaration Event at the Peace Monument located at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library on Monday, September 21st , 2015 at 8:45 a.m sharp.
September 21st is designated as International Peace Day through United Nations General Assembly resolutions 36/67 of 1981 and 55/282 of 2001. It is a Day established for an annual commemoration of non-violence and ceasefire. While the quest for non-violence is an ongoing process, September 21st is also a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All”. This theme aims to build understanding about the importance of all segments of society working collectively to build and strengthen peace.
On May 31, 2014, the Rotary Clubs on St. Maarten unveiled a Peace Monument at the Philipsburg Library. This Monument is dedicated to promote peace, justice, nonviolence, and social change in our community.
Also in 2014, Rotary Sunrise, in a parthnership with various organizations within the community and the Office of the UNDP Resident Representative for Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Aruba, Curacao & Sint Maartren, Mr. Richard Blewit, held a peace seminar and a cultural manifestation. Over 200 persons including youth participated.
This year and as part of the Youth At Risk Initiatives and in remembrance of late Police Officer Gamali Benjamin, loving known as Benji, an avid bicycler, who lost his life in the line of duty due to violence, Rotary Sunrise will organize a Peace Declaration Event on September 21st. The venue will be at the Peace Monument located at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library on Monday, September 21st , 2015 at 8:45 a.m.
At a later date to be informed in due course, another event will be organized on the theme of 'Partnerships for Peacebuilding through Sports. With this theme, we aim to strengthen partnerships for peacebuilding initiatives. This will have a meaningful impact on St. Maarten with sports as an interactive platform to bring together youth from all schools to interact together. The ideals inspired in sports for development provides a healthy environment for discipline, respect, dedication and teamwork. This event will highlight different sporting activities with a special segment on St. Maarten old sporting games. We believe that will draw in the parents and coaches as well.
President Marcellia Henry and members of the Rotary family looks forward to welcoming you on September 21st. . Together, we can help to educate, inform, and inspire our peers on the movement for peace, tolerance, good citizenship and peaceful coexistence in our community.
