"Why does Lohkay’s roundabout still remain in such a dilapidated condition for over two years?" asked Shujah Reiph, president of the Conscious Lyrics Foundation.
Reiph asked the question in a news release issued on Monday, while commending the island government for unveiling statues of respectable or heroic persons at the new roundabout in Dutch Quarter last week.
"I applaud the idea to honor St. Martin heroes and icons at the roundabouts. But how do we show respect and care for our people, history, culture and natural environment when our government does not take care of the landscaping or upkeep of the monuments at the roundabouts," said Reiph.
Reiph said that the state of the Lohkay roundabout between Belair and Cay Hill sends misleading signals about how our leaders see the island’s icons.
"We are all the fruits of Lohkay’s labor," said Reiph
Legendary anti-slavery heroine Lohkay act marronage and sabotage help put an end to the unholy institution of slavery in St. Martin. Historian Franklin Knight has agreed marronage and sabotage have overthrown both the colonial status of slavery and its economic system.
"Jean Brooks, Eulalie Duzanson or Alexander Richardson have all build on Lohkay’s sacrifices," said Reiph of the persons honored at the Dutch Quarter roundabout."
"The pride that we take in caring for the Lohkay roundabout is an example of how we will take care of other national symbols, icons and personalities, including those erected at the other roundabouts," said Reiph.
Reiph is further calling on the island government and the Cay Hill and Belair community organizations to relocate the One Tété Lohkay statue at the roundabout on the top of Cole Bay Hill with the proper honor and to provide for its upkeep with deserved pride. "Given Lohkay’s heroic move she took during evil period of slavery her statue should stand high on the top of the mountain and not in the valley," concluded Reiph.