PHILIPSBURG:--- Former Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Richinel Brug hosted his second Day of the Elderly celebration on October 1, bringing seniors together for a day centered on appreciation, fellowship and recognition.
Unlike last year’s celebration, which took place while Brug served as Minister of VSA, this year’s event was organized personally by Brug after his departure from office, with support from sponsors and community partners who helped make the celebration possible.
A central part of the event was the recognition of six senior citizens who have continued to dedicate themselves to the care, wellbeing, support and advocacy of seniors and other vulnerable persons in the community.
The six honorees were Mr. Raymond Jesurrun, Ms. Monique “Nanny Nurssy” Gumbs, former Island Council member and Commissioner Patricia Flanders, Ms. Emilia Hughes, Ms. Marva Van Henningen and Ms. Maria Chemont.
Each received a plaque of appreciation recognizing not only their years of service, but also that they have continued serving others even after becoming seniors themselves.
Brug said the recognition was intended to highlight seniors who remain active contributors to Sint Maarten and who continue to use their experience, compassion and time in service of others.
“Our seniors are the stalwarts and builders of our nation,” Brug said. “These six individuals could have stepped back and said that they had already done their part, but instead they continued caring, advocating, assisting and serving. That kind of commitment deserves to be recognized.”
The event also included a separate moment of recognition for senior members of Sint Maarten’s media fraternity who, despite reaching senior age, continue to inform, educate and serve the community through their work. These included Mr. Fernando Clark, Mr. Jacques Hamlet, affectionately known as Billy D, Mr. Wendell Moore, Mr. Eddie Williams, Ms. Bibi Hodge Shaw, Mr. Don Hughes, Mr. Francis Carty, Mr. Fabian Badejo, Mr. Dwight Barran and Mr. Oral Gibbes.
Special recognition was given to Mr. Theodore Ricardo William for his pioneering contribution to media on Sint Maarten and for the role he has played in helping to shape the development of local media over the years.
Media professionals form an important part of the country’s institutional and cultural history, documenting Sint Maarten’s development, informing the public and providing a platform for national discussion. It was therefore fitting that Day of the Elderly also acknowledge senior media practitioners who continue to contribute to national life.
Brug further stressed that Day of the Elderly should be more than an annual celebration. He said it should also serve as an opportunity to reflect on how Sint Maarten protects and supports people as they grow older. During his remarks, Brug reflected on one initiative he hoped to advance during his tenure as Minister of VSA: establishing a mandatory supplementary pension system.
He noted that many people work for decades, contribute to the economy, raise families and help build the country, but still reach retirement age without sufficient financial security. Brug made clear that pension security remains unfinished business for him. He said that if he returns to public office, establishing a mandatory supplementary pension system will be one of the matters he intends to finalize, rather than leaving the future financial security of working people to chance.
Brug concluded by extending his heartfelt appreciation to the sponsors, supporters, and community partners who helped make the event possible, including Emilio’s Restaurant, Arts from the Heart, King Beau Beau, DJ EZ Rick, Kaie Photography, Purfect Bath & Body Essentials, 721 News, WIEMS, SXM Island Time, Fernando Clark, all the silent sponsors, amazing volunteers, and his Cabinet.