French Quarter: --- As customary St. Martin' Day celebration when organized by the French has it flaws which the naked eyes cannot miss. This year the entire ceremony started late and as usual unorganized. The traditional church service was held at the Methodist Church in French Quarter had a number of dignitaries including the Governor General of the Netherlands Antilles Mr. Frits Goedgedrag, President of the Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles Pedro Attacho, President of the Collectivity of St. Barths Bruno Magra as well as Victor Banks from Anguilla. Among the local representatives were senator of French St. Martin Louis Constant Fleming, President of the Collectivity Frantz Gumbs, vice presidents Claire Javios, Daniel Gibbs, Island Council members George Pantophlet, Commissioner Maria Buncamper Molanus and leader of government Sarah Wescot Williams.
At the border in French Quarter and Belvedere local and regional representatives lined up to witness the wreath laying ceremony, the first wreaths were laid by Delegated Prefet Dominique LaCroix and Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards while the second and last wreaths were laid by leader of Government Sarah Wescot Williams and President of the Collectivity Frantz Gumbs.
There were parades along the French Quarter road leading the Thelbert Carti Stadium where the official speeches were held. In opening that ceremony Camille Baly from the former Culture and youth affairs department read the treaty of Concordia for the guests, which was to remind them of the significance of this treaty. This treaty which is often referred to signify the true meaning of peaceful cohabitation for the inhabitants of both sides of the island.
Lt. Governor of the island territory Franklyn Richards said the celebrations of the 2008 St. Maarten's Day take on additional significance in view of the 360th commemoration of the signing of the Treaty of Concordia and the 60th anniversary since the unveiling of the historic Bellevue frontier monument.
Richards that it is necessary for two sides to jointly tackle crime that have become so rampant on the once friendly island.
It threatens the well-being and forces us to look at the future in a different light.
He said the community safety and the fear of crime has become one of the principal concerns of governments, local residents and businesses, and action is now required.
There is need to put forward an initiative of strengthened partnership action involving the communities in cooperation with governmental and non-governmental agencies, to work closer together to tackle crime and anti- social behavior and be totally committed to reducing the fear of crime. However, even though they are called upon to reduce crime this is something that needs community effort. Therefore the two sides have to work
In the same light Delegated Prefet Dominique LaCroix said despite the treaty of Concordia the current cooperation that existed between the two sides is not enough. He said that he hoped that those that were present would really reflect on what it means to truly cooperate and in the end implement true cooperation between the two sides if the island if the island is to move forward.
LaCroix said in the past everyone knew each other but today there has been an influx of people from everywhere just as the island developed through tourism. "Due to this some people are managing to cheat the system to create violence. This is why we need to implement a stronger and true cooperation if crime and violence is to be tackled." LaCroix said. The State representative said it has been over a year now since he is working with the Lt. Governor but that he is said is not enough. He felt that it is absolutely necessary for gendarmes to be at the Princess Juliana International Airport and that the treaty on police cooperation can be signed soon since the gendarmes and police is very much interested in working together to combat crime, increasing violence and youth delinquency.
LaCroix said that cooperation is needed at every level and that must begin now since there is no more time to waste if the goals and deadlines is to be met.
Leader of Government Sarah Wescot Williams in her speech said this St. Maarten Day is special in many ways since the forefathers of the island knew what it means for peaceful co-existence.
She said in the year 2006 the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding that was ratified by the Federal and State authorities. "On the basis of this MOU coordinators were established to execute the basis of the MOU, so as the world continue to develop so is St. Maarten/ St. Martin which is to protect its people." Wescot Williams said.
The island leader acknowledged that they are facing some challenges which might have come about because of political agendas the fact is this can have great consequences for the island. She said this is indeed a bad time to be in this flux but assured this time will surely pass. Wescot Williams said even if the outcome is not satisfactory or comprehensible, situations like these she said normally fixes itself. "People cannot pretend there is where there is not and she prays that the interest of the island would prevail and be put before anything else. I know political ambitions do generate strong feelings but at the same time I know sincerity and general interest of the people will conqueror in the long run".
President of the Collectivity Frantz Gumbs also acknowledged that these speeches may just be ‘the same old speeches'. Speeches for more cooperation, unity and love but these speeches are necessary since there is a need for helping each other and harmonizing cooperation.
He said politicians over the years have repeated what they thought was the best thing to do. Gumbs said he has no doubt they did so in sincerity they said what was said. "It is not because what they said was never a reality they are to be blamed but instead they did what was essential which was to keep the spirit of 1648 alive and passed the torch on.
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