Program promises something for everyone to enjoy
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport is happy to announce the official program for this year’s St. Martin Day festivities. The theme this year is “#SXMSTRONG –Rebuilding Our Nation” which best reflects the strength and resilience the people of St. Martin has shown in these trying times. The Ministry apologizes for the delay in presenting this program but due to the passing of monster Hurricane Irma, the organizing team had to endure much constraints on the project. Despite many setbacks and adjustments the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport is happy and proud to present the official program and promises that there is something on the schedule for every single person to enjoy. The day starts out with the traditional ecumenical church service from 8 am to 10 am at the new Government Administration building. From 12 pm to 5 pm, there is a Cultural Street Fair on Soualiga Boulevard (the street in front of the Government building) where you can purchase cultural items such as arts and craft, clothing, sweet treats and more.
The St. Martin Day stage and performances will take place in the APS Parking Lot, which is adjacent to the new Government Administration Building. The parking lot will be transformed into the St. Martin Day Village where vendors will be selling food and beverages from 12 pm to the end of the St. Martin’s Day festivities at midnight. The St. Martin day stage will begin at 12 pm with an “oldies but goodies” 1 hour tribute to our seniors where artists will be playing those feel good oldies but goodies songs that will take the Seniors on a trip down memory lane.
At 1 pm the youth will take over the stage and showcase their talents with performances from from youngsters such as Tamilia Chance, the National Institute of Arts (NIA) and the Telcell Breakthrough winners who promise a spectacular performance that cannot be missed. There will also be a Kiddies corner from 12 pm to 5 pm with bouncing castles, a kiddies’ stage, performances and cultural games for children of all ages. This section is completely free for all children! For the Sport fanatics, there will be national football and basketball games happening at the Melford Hazel Sports Center from 1pm to 7pm.
The SXM Strong Cultural Parade will begin at 2 pm right at the parking lot and make its way around Philipsburg following a very similar route to the Labor Day parade during carnival. The Ministry is teaming up with Mr. Urmain Dormoy of the COCAAE Foundation, a seasoned parade organizer, for the organization of the cultural parade. Whilst the parade is making its way through town, deejays will be holding down the stage from 2pm to 5pm to entertain all patrons who wish to come and have lunch in the parking lot in the afternoon. At 5pm, the parade makes its way back to the parking lot and will perform a spectacular cultural manifestation on stage for 1 hour.
At 6 pm, the stage will be filled with tributes to a great man and local cultural icon, Mr. Neville York. It will be an hour that will be inspiring for all. From 7pm to 9.30 pm, an all-star ensemble will take the stage performing hits after hits. This ensemble comprises of our local musical legends with a twist of up and coming local artists who are making their mark in the entertainment industry. Artists like Percy Rankin, Melvin Hodge, King Rumer, King James and more will be taking the stage during the all-star ensemble performance. Following the all-star ensemble, comes the revenge of the bands with Control Band, Strictly Music band led by Sisco Richardson, Big Bad XP Band and 4M Band taking the stage, and will have everyone dancing until midnight.
For more information regarding the 2017 St. Martin Day festivities, please feel free to contact Janelle Presentacion on weekdays at 520-1638 between the hours of 10am and 3pm or via email at Janelle.presentacion@sintmaartengov.org. We invite you to visit our website www.sintmaartengov.org to view our program of events for St. Martin Day 2017.