To the Community of St. Maarten,
With the marking of St. Maarten’s Day 2009, Thanksgiving Day and the Lighting of the Christmas tree an old St. Maarten tradition, which has been one of the most important days on our cultural calendar, marked the initiation of the formal Christmas season.
Christmas is the most sacred and hopeful day in St. Maarten/St. Martin. The message of peace, good will towards all men has been the guiding star that informed all of our traditions such as the baking of the sweet potato pudding and coconut tart, drinking of guava berry and sorrel, serenading of steel and string band music.
The total sum of all these cultural traditions culminates in the celebration of peace and harmony amongst all people of this lustrous island.
Christmas is the day when we are called on to reflect and remind each other that as citizens of St. Maarten/St. Martin we must live together in peace. Neighborly love is the highest civilian honor we can bestow on each other. It is the peacemakers that are truly blessed.
Neighborly love and peace is contingent upon your kindness and generosity. You must love your neighbor as yourself and peace on earth must begin with you.
To all patriots, my very best wishes to you for a blessed and happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
May God continue to protect and bless our beautiful and sweet St.Maarten/ St. Martin.
Hyacinth Richardson
Commissioner of Culture