For the first time as a new nation, St. Maarten celebrated 149 years of emancipation on a day filled with cultural music, dance, food, commemoration and education.
The hot July day began with an Emancipation Day ecumenical service at St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church at 9:00am. Dignitaries of both sides of the island and the public were greeted by steel pan music played by Tropical Brothers Steel Band, led by their captain Neville York. The band played a medley of "This is the Day," "Send the Light" and "Whosoever will."
Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams expressed her joy in celebrating the day and recognising the fight for recognition and the efforts of many in society who had kept the flame burning, those who had done their research and those who had documented history to make this day a reality. The past history has shaped what St. Maarten is today, she said.
The struggle and fight of the forefathers of St. Maarten "represent a part of our collective history. It has made us a resourceful, resilient and productive people. The more we celebrate who we are, the more proud we become to be called
St. Maarteners," she said.
"I stand still as I recognise the efforts of those members of our society who have kept the flame burning for Emancipation Day, those who, holiday or not, celebrated the commemoration of July 1st every year. The most important observance in my opinion, however, comes from those who have gone to great lengths to research, document and transmit our history, a history that is as colourful as a patch quilt.
"There is no denying that the importation of men and women to our island in the 17th century was the foundation of our modern-day society. That our forefathers had to labour in slavery, as abominable and reprehensible as that practice was, has also shaped who we are today. They built with their sweat, tears and yes, blood, our foundation as a nation.
"When you really think about it, it's not that long ago that this practice existed, until its official abolition in 1863, a mere 149 years ago. If I consider my mother's age at 91 and that of her contemporaries, it brings our history rather close."
The church service was followed by wreath-laying ceremonies at the statues of One Tété Lohkay and the Freedom Fighters. Activities continued with a Cultural Parade with participants in national dress, stilt walkers and drummers, that ended at the Courthouse surrounded by onlookers, living statues and various bands.
The parade was followed by addresses by Governor Eugene Holiday, the Prime Minister, Minister of Culture Silveria Jacobs and President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell. "I am immensely proud and pleased to stand before you today to share in and address you in this first observance of Emancipation Day," the Governor told those present.
He said Emancipation Day functioned as a source of greater consciousness and understanding. The celebration of Emancipation Day ended with cultural manifestations at Salt Pickers roundabout. Vendors were also present displaying different cultural arts and crafts, and local St. Maarten foods.
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