Heeding the call of the Positive Foundation was to "Take Charge, Live Well", representatives of the Heavenly Water, Princess Juliana International Airport, NAGICO, UTS, Bella's Fitness Coaching and Zumba, Love of Kids Foundation, Prime Distributors, GEBE, Scotia Bank, Windward Islands Bank, SZV Insurance, Ennia, St. Maarten Nurses Association, Team Maso, the 2012 Miss Mature and Teen Carnival Queen, and more were participants in the parade, not to mention men, women and children of all ages.
Participants of the parade gathered just outside the St. Maarten Festival Village where the parade kicked off and continued down Walter Nisbeth Road and turned into Front Street through Long Wall Road. Participants continued the march on Frontstreet, and then up the Board Walk. Participates were accompanied by Boy Blue Drum Band, the Boys Brigade, and Ebony Steel. The parade ended at Holland House Beach Hotel merging with the Broadwalk Fest, also in recognition of breast cancer awareness.
Upon arrival, Elektra and Shelly of the Elektralyets and Positive Foundations took the stage accompanied by Prime Minister Sarah Wescot- Williams, Minister of Health Cornelius De Weever, and Minister of Education Silveria Jacobs to express their sincerest gratitude to all participants of the parade. Probably the most powerful moment of the night was the introduction of four brave, beautiful and strong women who are courageous enough to be the PIONEERS of a new project called "Pink Faces". Lydia, Loretta, Denise, and Marcellina have been all diagnosed with Breast Cancer and they have pledged their continued support in an effort to make a difference.
"It's called Pink Faces because our face tells a story, we see the lines, we see the wrinkles, and we see all the different kinds of faces like these four powerful, beautiful women right here," Elektra explained. "By creating this Pink Faces project, we're hoping to highlight the women in the community and start a network where women can come, share, talk and support each other. Let me tell you something, I've learnt something in my life, if you have an idea or a concept, believe in yourself and flush it out. These ladies would not have been able to make this idea come alive if they did not participate in what I thought would be an awareness movement to help the community of St. Maarten," Elektra added
Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams in her speech echoed, "There are many more women out there in our community that are suffering in silence." Minister of Education Silveria Jacobs took the opportunity of congratulate all teachers for International Teachers day and encourage the parade participants to go "Get Checked!" Minister of Health Cornelius De Weever stood behind Marcellina "Maso" Loblack, a Pink Faces trailblazer and a recently diagnosed breast cancer patient. Minister De Weever stated tearfully "Maso, I said I am going to stand behind you and I meant it."
As a token of appreciation from the Elektralyets Foundation and the Positive Foundation, the four women were presented with framed photographs of themselves, the final product of a photo-shoot they took part in for the Pink Faces project, La Rich and Roma Designz also collaborated on this project.
Should interested persons need more information with regards to the Calender of PINK events contact Elektra on 5237418 and for Free Clinical Breast Cancer screenings and info sessions contact Shelly: 5809658.
