Dear Editor,
What would Sint Maarten be without foreign laborers and foreign investors? What would Sint Maarten be without a structured judicial system in which law making, law enforcement and sentencing are separated? What would Sint Maarten be without a democratic political system and having elected officials representing the people? These questions are relevant when it comes to the key elements of the existence of Sint Maarten. Rightfully, there are many public debates about the importance to Sint Maarten of foreign laborers, foreign investors, our prosecutor's office, our police force, politicians that represent us, etc. One part of our society is, unfortunately, hardly ever talked about: the volunteers.
While many of us are trying to cope with our day-to-day personal issues and are trying to reach a long term personal goal, there are many amongst us that go out every day and assist others in making their lives more pleasant or even alleviate the burdens of others. Think about those volunteers who help our children in after school programs or otherwise, the volunteers that look after our elderly, the volunteers that clean up and protect our environment, the volunteers that help the less able or the volunteers that are involved in sports activities, just to name a few. Now ask yourself: What would Sint Maarten be without volunteers?
December 5th was International Volunteer Day and we, Soualiga Social Movement, hereby wish to thank and congratulate the many volunteers that go out there and do their best to try to make Sint Maarten a better place. We want you, the volunteers, to know that it is well appreciated and that the importance of your efforts are recognized. Soualiga Social Movement stands for awareness, inclusion and participation. This is what volunteerism is all about: seeing something or somebody that needs help, get your neighbor by his/her every hand and be a part of solving/addressing the issue.
We would also like to encourage each and every citizen on Sint Maarten to take some of your free time to help others. Be involved! You are a part of your community and your input, how small or big, will make a difference. To the business community: unfortunately, sometimes projects that are beneficial to the community will cost money. We ask you to recognize the importance of your role to support non-profit organizations on Sint Maarten. After all, volunteers are the real backbone of our society. #sxmmovement
Soualiga Social Movement