Calls on Organizations of St. Maarten and St. Martin to Overcome Administrative Hurdles to Work for the People of St. Maarten
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams attended the celebration of the 150 years of existence of the Red Cross organization at a commemorative Ceremony in Port de Plaisance on Sunday. The PM, who was joined by the Minister of Health, Labor and Social Affairs the Hon. Cornelius De Weever, President of the Collectivite Mrs. Aline Hanson and President of Red Cross St. Maarten Paul Martens and Boards and Volunteers of Red Cross organizations, including those of St. Barths and Anguilla, celebrated the important role the Red Cross plays in the community of St. Maarten.
During her address the Prime Minister, who is the Minister in charge of Disaster Management for St. Maarten, stressed the selfless role that especially the Red Cross volunteers play in the community of St. Maarten: "I take this opportunity to congratulate the former and present boards, members and volunteers of both Red Cross organizations. The Red Cross organization is now one hundred and fifty years and you are a part of a group that has been called to serve humanity. Of course we would prefer that there would be a world without tragedy, however this is not the case. While it is important for you as an organization to always be ready to assist there is also much more that over the world and in St. Maarten you have been doing; that is why it is so important to especially recognize the volunteers; the people who make it work. I encourage you to continue to encourage the young people of this country to assist our fellow human beings in a selfless way and it is important that they too recognize how important civil society is to all Governments around the world. And so, as you celebrate one hundred and fifty years internationally and one hundred and forty six for the Dutch Organization I wish you many more years of service to Humanity and service to country.
"It is so true that when it comes to events such as disasters there is no border on St. Maarten. And so I encourage both organizations, and all organizations in fact including the Governments of both sides, to work together to overcome administrative hurdles to work for all of the people of St. Maarten; this island is one, our people are one. We look forward to your two organizations working together when during celebrations such as carnivals, but also when you are called to assist persons in need. I thank you, your families and everyone who assists you. Remember that St. Maarten will get it right for our generations and generations to come. God bless you who work for fellow human being. May you have many more years of cooperation and goodwill.
From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister
