MARIGOT--The Collectivité waived much of the traditional sentiment expressed at the Bastille Day speech ceremonies on Saturday in favour of honouring St. Martin's youth, leadership and excellence in sports, a recognition that was widely considered well-deserved.
As usual, invited government dignitaries of St. Maarten and Anguilla were present for the official part of the ceremonies, with Deputy Prime Minister William Marlin standing in for absent Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams and leading a large Dutch-side delegation that included Governor Eugene Holiday and members of the Council of Ministers.
Notably absent among the French-side elected officials was Senator Louis-Constant Fleming who apparently was in Paris, his place filled by Deputy Senator Daniel Gibbs.
The day began with a service at the Catholic Church, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony in the garden of Hotel de La Collectivité. Wreaths were laid by Préfet Philippe Chopin, Deputy Senator Daniel Gibbs and representatives of the war veterans association.
Elected officials then walked over to the waterfront to watch the parade on Boulevard de France. Squads of Gendarmes and French fire fighters led the parade that included troupes Locomotif, Les Coeurs Enchantes twirlers, Grain d'Or and drum bands Generation New Status STM, Explorateurs and St. Joseph School Scouts.
The party then retreated from the hot sun to a tent for three official speeches, by President Alain Richardson, Préfet Philippe Chopin and Deputy Senator Gibbs.
President Richardson described the youth as "one of our greatest assets."
"Forty per cent of the population in St. Martin is under 25 years old and today 10,000 are in school," he said. "The youth is at the heart of our administration's priorities. They are a great asset because of their diversity, talent and creativity, and willingness to take their rightful place in the foundation of society and emergence of new citizenship."
He acknowledged that economic and social issues made it hard to be a young person today. "For the youth to continue as this great asset there has to be a general mobilisation at every level; i.e., level of families, churches, education and national authorities. I salute our youth who, under difficult circumstances, remain positive in their engagements."
Gibbs said, "Since youth is at the heart of this ceremony, let's remind the younger generation that freedom does not come naturally. It is not a God-sent gift, but earned from centuries of struggle. Democracy is a precious gift that must constantly be defended by a collective will to perpetuate the universal principles of equality, fraternity, peace, solidarity and social justice.
"As elected officials dedicating actions to the general interest, it is our duty to ensure that our actions are exemplary, because we are a model for the youth who will take over the reins of the Collectivité tomorrow."
The Préfet noted the President of the Republic had placed youth and education as a priority for the next five years while he himself had called for a commission with several partners that would increase actions by the Collectivité in favour of the youth.
However, he cautioned that "institutions cannot do anything if parents do not fully assume their responsibilities in moulding their children to be model citizens from an early age."
The official part of the ceremonies concluded with a trophy presentation to honour St. Martin athletes for their outstanding achievements.
There was a non-sporting honour for Gaël Gombs, the Collectivité's first President of the Junior Territorial Council in the first administration, who was joined on stage by his two vice-presidents.
Some 25 sports trophies were awarded to those who have made their mark at home and abroad with their sporting prowess, including basketball player Anthonin Galaya, who has won a contract to North Carolina Central University (NCAA Division one), the same university that launched the NBA career of Michael Jordan.
Also honoured were boxer Francky Paines, who was world UBC champion in 2008 and collected 11 victories, 3 defeats and 10 KOs in his professional career, and Claude Lesperance, another boxer.
The volleyball team and Antilles Guyane Cadet champions comprising Achille Brooks, Kareem Brooks, Fresnet Fabre, Timothy Leito, Anthony Berchel, Allan Felix, Alfred Gibbs Claxton, Michael Jeanne, Stephane Morisseau, Frederick Roseau and Hazael Dollin were recognised for their achievements, alongside their coach.
Archiball Rugby players Manuel Jaso Deraf (15) and Romain Augierre (19) were honoured, as well as soccer player Yannick Belchasse.
Speedy Plus Club track athletes Derisha Jeffers and hurdler Christie Lange were honoured for their continued success, but could not be present for the ceremony.
Serena Carti of Avenir Sportif Club was honoured for achievements that included her gold medal won in June 2012 for the 400 metres.
Marine Caillet, a 12-year-old classical dancer who won a bronze medal at a competition in Nice, France, was recognised, as was swimmer Kelia Serramoglia of Carib Swim Team, who holds titles in several different disciplines.
Chrislana Bonnard and Magalie Gibbs were honoured in Gymnastics, as was Thomas Wictzak for water-skiing.
Préfet Chopin, President Richardson, Deputy Senator Gibbs and Councillor for Youth and Sports Alain Gros-Desormeaux assisted with the trophy presentations.
President Alain Richardson planted a sandbox tree at the marketplace with the assistance of Vice President Wendell Cocks before the luncheon. Chef de Protocol Emilie Richardson was emcee for the official ceremonies.
Traditional boat races in Marigot Bay kicked off the activities programme in the afternoon. A full schedule of musical entertainment on the waterfront also was organised for the weekend of celebrations.
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