CUL-DE-SAC--The former plantation grounds at Emilio Wilson Park formed the perfect backdrop for VOICES' Emancipation Day celebration on Sunday afternoon.
Organised by grassroots foundation Victory Over Injustice Consciously Eliminating Silence (VOICES), which goal it is to combat all forms of abuse and violence through awareness, empowerment and prevention, the event honoured St. Maarten's enslaved ancestors and contemporary role models during an event filled with music, dance, storytelling and poetry.
After D'shnay York had given a rendition of the St. Maarten Song, VOICES president Nkosazana Illis said the event was to commemorate "the greatness of our ancestors." She read from the Declaration of Emancipation, signed by the governor of Curaçao and its dependencies on July 1, 1863, which pronounced the liberty of slaves throughout the islands of the former Netherlands Antilles. Copies of the Declaration were distributed among the public.
In opening the event, Illis and Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Silveria Jacobs lit two candles under one of the park's majestic silk cotton trees in remembrance of St. Maarten's enslaved ancestors.
After one minute of silence was observed, Minister Jacobs commended VOICES for organising the event, and urged the public at large to study St. Maarten's history more vigilantly and to record the stories of the island's senior citizens.
During the event, several "grassroots" local entrepreneurs were commended for their contribution to St. Maarten and its people. Among those receiving certificates of appreciation were José Lake Junior, Don Hughes, Elsje Bosch, Cedric Cannegieter and Lucy Lake.
Former Culture Minister Rhoda Arrindell, who was another speaker at the event, also received a certificate of appreciation for her efforts in making Emancipation Day a national holiday. Former Commissioner Louie Laveist had also been instrumental in achieving this, Illis added.
Musical icon Addison "Shadowman" Richardson presented the two-hour cultural programme, which was kicked-off with traditional dance, presented by dancers of Motiance Dance School and Imbali Centre for Creative Movement.
Music was provided by Generation New Status STM drum band, Soualougia Jump Up Brass Band, Shabba Djembé Drummers and Ras Bushman.
The spoken word was represented by story teller Papa Umpo, who recounted the story of One-Tete Lokay, and poets Anderson Percival and Unexpected Poet.
The event was closed off with the planting of a young flamboyant tree. Illis and Arrindell planted the tree, symbolising growth, hope, power and continuation, with assistance of a young St. Maarten girl.
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