"On behalf of the people and the Government of Sint Maarten, I extend best wishes to the people of the Dominican Republic as they celebrate your country's birth, 168 years ago.
"Our countries share a long-time friendship based on many common interests, not only commercial, but also strong family, cultural and social ties.
"Many Dominicanos have made our country their home, thereby contributing to their homeland as well as making a significant contribution to our development in many different areas. Our landscape is decked with activities by Dominican nationals.
"As always, I use this occasion once more to encourage the Dominicanos amongst us to join with us in making Sint Maarten a country we all can be proud of and to instill in younger generations the love for the country they are part of. Many of the younger generation of Dominicanos know no other place than Sint Maarten and they should therefore see a role for themselves in building country Sint Maarten as they continue to show pride and respect for their heritage.
"Once again, to the Sint Maarten Dominicano community, those living abroad and in the Dominican Republic, a happy 168th anniversary from the people and Government of Sint Maarten," Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams said on Sunday in her independence celebration message to the Dominicano community .
Last week the Foundation Semana Dominicana officially opened its 12th celebration of the Dominican Republic's culture and traditions with a ceremony at Philipsburg Jubilee Library.
The foundation organized a week of activities to showcase Sint Maarten's Dominicano community as talented, hard-working people with an amazing culture and history.
