Marigot: ---- Dignitaries from both sides of the island gathered at the Collectivity to celebrate the rights of the CHILD. Speaking to those that attended is Shermina Powel Richardson who said they have gathered to celebrate another year commemorating the International Day of the Rights of the Child which is November 20th 2008.She said a week of activities is in place which sometimes extended to a longer period of time. Organizers she said works diligently to make sure they align themselves with the yearly theme which is "Listen to our Children".
Powel said while many would ask if we have not listened to our children or are we not listening to our children and wonders what these children would say if they found out that parents does not know that as yet. She then outlined the meaning of the word listen which means to hear and accept advice.
"It is clear that everyone has to reflect on the theme which was issued at a time such as these. When one looks at what is happening to the children on St. Maarten and the wider region one must understand that they need to listen to their children in order to save the nation.
Children is speaking and demonstrating what they need to say in different ways and fashion because they want us to attend closely to what they are saying by the way they dress, speak, walk, sing and mainly through their body language.
They are simply reflecting a society that is in trouble and needs someone who will understand that the change begins in at home. Powel said she was not only addressing the people of St. Maarten but everyone whether or not they are from here. She said parents need to begin listening to their children and start acting.
President of the Collectivity of St. Maarten Frantz Gumbs also addressed the gathering prior to leaving the island.
