Fitness Day at Raoul Illidge Sports Complex
The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams celebrated the role women play on St. Maarten and organized various activities highlighting International Women’s Day. The Prime Minister recognized a number of outstanding women for their contribution to St. Maarten’s society and for building the country at the annual International Women’s Day luncheon held at Sheer Restaurant.
The Prime Minister applauded the invitees for their contributions and was greeted by tears and laughter from the crowd of grateful ladies: "Thank you for accepting the invitation to be here and to celebrate this lunch with us on International Women’s Day 2014. This afternoon it is about you, and I want you to understand that women contribute so much to the developing of this nation. You represent all of the women out there and the successes and failures that they face and it is therefore that I took the initiative to honor your contribution to our society. The two traditional names for St. Maarten are Oualichi, the Land of Strong Women and Soualiga, Land of Salt. I believe that that is exactly what we are; strong women that are the salt of the land. What I see in you and what others see in you shows the passion in the things that you do. You and your pairs make me extremely proud," commented the Prime Minister.
The PM also encouraged movement and health at the International Women’s Day Sport Event which featured healthy activities including Yoga Classes, Basketball and Bodybuilding Exhibitions centered on encouraging women to stay healthy and focus on a clean and healthy lifestyle. "Every day we should stand still and reflect on the things that could obstruct us from being all that we can be. Our health is one of the most important determinants of our overall wellbeing. Many chronic diseases affecting women in these times can be prevented and managed through lifestyle changes, but we need to want to make those changes for ourselves and for our families," emphasized the PM.