"Celebrate all that St. Maarten is during the Holidays; Colorful, Musical and Festive," says PM
The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams opened the lighting ceremony with Minister of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth Affairs the Hon. Sylveria Jacobs at the Government Administration Building on Saturday.
The Prime Minister extended a very warm welcome to the public; "On behalf of the Council of Ministers we welcome you to witness this heralding in of the Christmas Season. We encourage all of you to make good use of this season of celebration, joy, sharing and fellowship. There is a reason to the season of Christmas and so today, the Government of St. Maarten hopes that with this symbolic lighting of the Christmas Tree and the Government Building we will herald in a wonderful time for the people of St. Maarten and for those who will be visiting the island for this time of year.
The Prime Minister especially singled out the Steel Orchestra and the Drum Band for celebrating all that St. Maarten is; "colorful, music, culture and a festive music season."
The PM and Minister Jacobs flipped the switch which lighted the official Christmas Tree at a little over seven in the evening to a cheering and excited crowd.
The evening continued with performances by the Ebony Steel Orchestra, the Soualiga Brass Band and Dane Theatre of St. Maarten.