PHILIPSBURG:--- Philipsburg Jubilee Library (PJL) in partnership with the National Development Plan organized an informative discussion evening on nation building on March 20, 2014. Among the invited guests were President of Parliament, Gracita Arrindell, Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams, and Understudy Secretary General for the Ministry of Education, Culture Sports and Youth Affairs, Jorien Wuite.
Prime Minister Wescot-Williams stressed the importance of a continued dialogue and discussion about St. Maarten's culture in the nation building process, in her opening address.
Keynote speaker Mirto Laclé explained that "in order for true nation building to occur it is imperative that all the cultures living on the island are included in this process. It is also important that social dialogue takes place extramurally, within the community, and intramural, with representatives of the different cultures." The linguist ended his presentation with the African proverb, He who climbs a grand tree, deserves a push. "In order for us to progress as a people, we have to be willing to share our knowledge and help each other along the way", stated Laclé.
Library Director Monique Alberts, in her welcome remarks shared that "Cultural heritage institutions are an integral part of nation building. We were honored to partner with NDP to bring this panel discussion to the public. We hope that this will be one of many discussions on Nation Building."
The MC for the evening was Co-Director of the National Institute of the Arts (NIA), Clara Reyes.
The program included a poetry recital of "Emerald of the Sea" by Andrew Peterson, a St. Dominic International Baccalaureate (IB) student.
Moderator for the panelists was cultural activist, Fabian Badejo. The panel was composed of archeologist Dr. Jay Haviser representing the St. Maarten Archaeological Center (SIMARC), Marcellia Henry, Secretary General of UNESCO St. Maarten, Drs. Okama Ekpe-Brook, NDP representative, and Drs. Monique Alberts, PJL Director. Among the topics discussed were the role of history and culture in the school curriculum, the identification of the continent Africa with slavery and the multicultural character of St. Maarten's society.
After the presentation, audience members engaged in a lively discussion and insisted that cultural institutions should be an integral part of discussions like these.
Library Director, Alberts and NDP Representative, Ekpe-Brook presented a gift of books to the keynote speaker and panelists, contributed by the 12th Annual St. Maarten Book Fair.
Dancers of NIA ended the evening with belly dancing to the delight of the audience.