The right of individuals to live in a peaceful society and the role peace plays in developing a country were central parts of Prime Minister Wescot-Williams address at the unveiling of the peace monument at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library on Saturday. The Prime Minister attended the unveiling of the Rotary Club Peace Monument in Philipsburg by stressing that it is every citizen’s right to live in a peaceful and open society; “Today we are joining with the Rotary Clubs of St. Maarten and the approximately 1.2 million Rotarians around the world in this celebration of peace. However I think the importance of today’s event right here on St. Maarten goes much further: I believe that peace and the search for peace is one of the most sought-after commodities throughout the world. Today in any parts of the world Countries both big and small are constantly searching for peace. We can embrace economic prosperity, a healthy community and a prosperous people but without peace we will be short of our goals.
“And so this morning I join others in extending with our Rotary Clubs here on St. Maarten congratulations and best wishes with this initiative of the unveiling of the peace monument here in the middle of Philipsburg. This monument goes to remind us here on St. Maarten how important it is to not only to act peaceful but also to speak of peace wherever we go. Too easy are words like respect, tolerance and cohesion spoken because it sounds good and not because of the meaning and what it requires from all of us. We all need to be the example in promoting these values so important in every society and every community. During the last couple of days I have been listening to words like; ‘a new rudeness, incivility, and anti-social behavior that act like threads throughout many of the discourses in the community. What we are seeking to promote here is something that persons everywhere are seeking after. I hope that with the unveiling this morning it will remind us of the central part that peace must play in our society. I pray and hope that with the unveiling of this monument we all will be reminded that peace starts with each and everyone of us. We should not only talk it but also walk the walk of peace. Peace belongs to each and everyone of us God grant St. Maarten and all its residents much peace, thank you,” commented Prime Minister Wescot-Williams.
