Philipsburg:--- Minister of Justice Roland Duncan met with Mighty Dow and retired Police Commissioner Hildo Martina along with the President and secretary of Curacao Music Association Manfred Gomes and Giovanni Atalita who are on the island to assist St. Maarten musicians to establish a foundation (Association) in order to protect the local music industry, artists, and culture. The four members also met with other Ministers prior to meeting with Minister Duncan on Wednesday. York said they met with Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams and Minister of Culture Silveria Jacobs. He said they also met with some of the local musicians to inform them of the endeavors they are undertaking at the moment.
Minister of Justice Roland Duncan in a short introduction speech said the aim of the soon to be association is to regulate the entrance of foreign bands to St. Maarten. Minister Duncan said based on the information he received from the group is that the two associations will be working together to accomplish their mission and he as Minister of Justice will do what is necessary to assist them legally within his Ministry. Minister Duncan said that the Minister of Justice is responsible for the entrance of foreign bands and musicians and he will be assisting the group by executing the regulations. He said the association will make proposals to the Ministry and his job is to execute as quickly as possible.
Isidore York said that his foundation Dow's Musical Foundation and Divi Resort assisted with the sponsorship by hosting the two people that came to St. Maarten from Curacao to assist him and Martina who is also a musician. York said the association has not yet been established but they already chose a name for the association which will be St. Maarten Music and Artists Association. York said they are trying to break Aruba's record who took six months to form their music association and their aim is to complete the process within three months.
The President of Curacao Musician Association Manfred Gomes said that he is enlightened at the fact that the government of St. Maarten especially the Minister of Justice is willing to take the necessary steps to preserve the local musicians and artists. Gomes said just recently a huge function was held at PJIAE and two foreign bands performed there while the local musicians and bands were completely left out. "This does not happen anywhere else in the world. Curacao has a law that permits the music association to have their input when it comes to having foreign bands going to Curacao to perform. I am sure after the discussions held with the various Ministers on St. Maarten they will assist in realizing such a law in order to protect the local musicians and the culture of St. Maarten."
