On December 25, 2009, the Government Information Service will air a special documentary on the village of Simpson Bay, on TV15 at 7:00pm.
The documentary is part of a series focusing on the historic attributes of the island’s districts, meant to highlight St. Maarten’s historical past.
In conducting the research and interviews, GIS spoke to many past and current residents of the Simpson Bay and historians, such as Bernard Vlaun, Van-Hugh Peterson, Ernest Williams, Freddy Lejuez, Wilhelm Patrick, and Jay Haviser, amongst others.
The topics that were covered were the history of Simpson Bay, what life was like back then, their habits and customs, religion, the lagoon, hurricanes, childhood memories, the bridge, largest cistern, the airport, and economic development.
One of the persons interviewed was Mr. Vlaun who explained that Simpson Bay village was a fishing village, and that the older men of the village would go miles out in the ocean to fish. On the other hand, Mr. Patrick talks about some historical issues regarding Simpson Bay. Haviser, the archeologist, explains how the old houses were built, and information about the old church and school in Simpson Bay.
The public is welcomed to view the documentary on Christmas day and the repeat program on Monday, December 28, 2009 on TV15 at 7:00pm.