Discussions are already taking place as to whether or not it is an official holiday. The Education Minister said she participated in the French side's Emancipation Day celebration last week and she is of the opinion that the Dutch side residents were freed the same time even though there was nothing in writing for the Dutch side at the time. "I can tell you when the French side got emancipated we all ran across the border and celebrated because there was no way they (the Dutch) could have stopped us from being free. Next year, the Dutch side will be celebrating 150 years of freedom but I think it's much more than that."
The Minister further said that she is fully aware of the modern day slavery taking place on the island and that is something they have to take a hard look at and deal with.
