BELAIR:--- Respect, Pride, Dignity and Patriotism of a nation always progressing were all elements that were promoted during the collaborative effort as the Government & St Maarten Toastmasters hosted "An evening in observance of the flag". The event was held this past Friday evening at the Belair Community Center in commemoration of ST Maarten Flag day. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports invited the St Maarten Toastmasters to put together the special event in honor of St Maarten Flag day.
Facilitated by MC Rolando Tobias, the evening consisted of tributes to the flag in the form of speech presentations, floetry, steel pan renditions and a great closing performance of "Rally round the National flag" by Gisella Hilleman.
Apostle Alicia Liverpool did the invocation followed by Marie Gittens who performed the St Maarten song accompanied by her brother Peter J. Gittens on keyboard. Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports Patricia Lourens-Philip expressed her appreciation for the organizing of the event signifying the importance of the flag for the island. Honorable Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams emphasized the aspect of respect for what may seem as a simple piece of cloth with colors, but that signifies the unity, strength and progression of our society.
"Not just a tattered rag" was the title of the first presentation by Ashayna Nisbeth who shared her experience as she recollected having to move and get rid of items she no longer needed. What she thought was just a tattered rag; she quickly was reminded was the St Maarten flag, its significance for her parents, for herself and for the community. The Department of Communication collaborated with the St Maarten Toastmasters and produced a series of Public Service announcements on the St Maarten flag, which are being aired on local television programs. The audience was able to view the video PSAs featuring Cheryl Dangleben-York, Ashayna Nisbeth, Malcolm Jacques & Alston Lourens. Another one of St Maarten's great symbols, the Flamboyant and its relevance for the island was highlighted in the presentation "What the old Flamboyant told me" by Priscilla Bell. In her presentation, Priscilla reminded us how roots and wings are powerful, but that we truly need a soul in order to be great. After a great steelpan rendition of St Maarten Rhumba by Cherylann Dangeleben-York & Jabari York, the audience was introduced to a new word "Vexillology" as Catherine Magdelein & Brenda Maynard expressed in poetry the meaning of the St Maarten flag. Amanda Vital-Bedminister brought the statement "Semper Pro Grediens" Always Progressing into context with a powerful presentation of how our small nation is always moving forward as the architects of our society has done their part and we are to continue doing our part in present and future. In bringing the future into focus, the final presentation "Respect" by Valerie Brazier implored the audience to heed the messages within the colors of the flag. She pointed out that the core value we should not forget is that of respect for the flag and its significance for our environment, solidarity & friendly, peaceful coexistence of all on the island. The best way to predict the future is to create it, she stated as she encouraged all to play their part in making St Maarten the very best that it can be and to truly reflect the intention with which the greatest symbol, the flag was designed.
The curtain was brought down on the evening's event with a great performance by Gisella Hilleman of "Rally round the national flag" as she engaged the audience in singing, truly reflecting the observance of the St Maarten flag.
