PHILIPSBURG:--- In celebration of St. Martin Day, the St. Martin Institute for Public Policy Studies (SIPPS) officially launched an anti-litter campaign this morning at the Methodist Agogic Center’s Browlia F. Maillard Campus, encouraging students and the wider community to take greater responsibility for keeping the island clean.
The initiative, themed “There Is a Place for Trash,” was launched in the presence of Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Melissa Gumbs, school administrators, teachers, students and invited guests.
Delivering the main address, Joycelyn Hanley, Secretary of the St. Martin Institute for Public Policy Studies, emphasized the importance of education, public awareness and community participation in addressing the island’s litter problem. Hanley explained that the institute, founded in 2019 under the leadership of its president, Dr. Julio Romney has undertaken several educational initiatives, including projects designed to engage young people in understanding St. Maarten’s history and development.
She noted that the growing problem of improper garbage disposal prompted the organization to take action.
“We see the unsightly mess. We see the need for better trash disposal, and that’s what brought us here today: to take action, to do whatever we can to help stop the litter,” Hanley stated.
As part of the initiative, 730 anti-litter decals will be distributed among students and faculty at the Methodist Agogic Center’s campuses, reinforcing the message that everyone has a responsibility to protect the environment.
Hanley also acknowledged the support of Mr. Dion Gumbs of St. Martin Party Rentals and Mr. Michael Ferrier. She expressed hope that additional businesses and residents would support the campaign by sponsoring other schools.
Minister Melissa Gumbs, who delivered brief remarks and participated in the symbolic placement of the first decal, welcomed the initiative and encouraged students to become ambassadors for a cleaner St. Maarten.
The minister reflected on her own childhood experiences promoting anti-littering and reminded students that keeping the island clean is an important expression of national pride.
“St. Martin Day, as you know, is about showing our pride for the island, and I can think of no better way to show how proud we are to be from St. Martin and to live on St. Martin than keeping St. Martin clean,” the minister said.
Mrs. Tessa Davis, the campus principal, accepted the decals.
The ceremony also included an opening prayer delivered by Bernice Gumbs, who called for God’s blessings upon the children, educators, organizers, and the island.
The campaign’s launch, held ahead of the November 11 St. Maarten Day celebrations, highlighted the importance of instilling environmental responsibility in young people while encouraging the wider community to play its part.
The message from the morning’s activities was clear: keeping St. Maarten clean is everyone’s responsibility, and that responsibility begins with everyday actions.