“I hope with today’s observance and those of years to come, whenever we observe these statues they will represent something more than a traffic round-about”
The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams placed wreaths at the One Teeth Lohkay and Salt Pickers statues in a solemn ceremony celebrating the 149th Emancipation of Slavery on Monday.
“Today we stop at the Freedom Fighter, Salt Pickers and One Tete Lokeh statues. I hope with today’s observance and those of years to come, whenever we observe these statues they will represent something more than a traffic roundabout. These statues have quietly stood until we recognized that they each represent part of our collective history. And that each part of what makes them unique matters in our history as a people and as a nation, “ commented the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister continued by stating that each statue touches the St. Maarten people as a piece of the Country’s history. “A history that has its blemishes, like that of slavery, but one that has made us a resourceful, resilient and productive people, a unique blend of heritages. On this Emancipation Day, I salute our forefathers and mothers. I salute those who traversed the long journeys and rocky roads to make our paths easier,” concluded the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister was joined by His Excellency Governor Eugene Holiday, the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Sylveria Jacobs, the Deputy Prime Minister Mr. William Marlin, the President of Parliament Drs. Gracita Arrindell and other dignitaries and invited guests.