Monuments needs to be moved from isolated location says Minister Gibson.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Several elected officials attended the small ceremony at the Captain Hodge Pier on Monday morning to pay homage to those persons who lost their lives during the world war 2. Among those in attendance were Acting Governor Reynold Groenveldt, President of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Gibson Sr, Minister Igrid Arrindell, Minister Emil Lee, Member of Parliament Cornelius de Weever, the Dutch representative on St. Maarten, Chief Commissioner of Police Carl John, and Member of the Executive and Territorial Council Wendell Cocks. Among those in attendance that marched to the location were the police, national guards, and the Voluntary Korps of St. Maarten.
The prayer service was given by Pastor Terrence Rawlins who called on those in attendance to do more in remembering those that lost their lives while trying to bring about peace. Pastor Rawlins said much more has to be done to achieve peace on St. Maarten and that elected officials should not just remember those that sacrificed their lives one day in a year.
At the Council of Ministers press briefing Deputy Prime Minister Richard Gibson Sr said that he will approach the Council of Ministers to remove the monuments that are hidden on the Captain Hodge Pier and have them placed at a proper location, maybe in front of the government building in order for people to remember those that fought and lost their lives during world war 2. Minister Gibson said this topic was raised before but nothing was actually done however, his intention is to approach the council of ministers with his concerns and ideas to have to monuments removed.
Click here to view more photos of the ceremony.
