This Saint Martin/Sint Maarten’s Day, November 11, 2010, we of the Southern part of our island celebrate with Saint Martin under a new constitutional status.
It is the first Saint Martin/Sint Maarten’s Day that on the South side of this beautiful nation, we celebrate our joint day as a country, having achieved country status within the Dutch Kingdom on October 10, 2010.
Indeed, our heritage has surely contributed to the attainment of constitutional change and the much sought after self-government for our people. From the three islands Windward Islands Territory to becoming an Island Territory ourselves, to a country within the Kingdom in 2010.
As a people we have much to be proud of. The constitutional change process was inspired by our yearning for a more fulfilling future for our people.
Having a long history of friend and kinship amongst ourselves, a reputation of kind hospitality, and legendary pride in our nation as we move forward together as North and South, let us continue to harness the spirit of cooperation for the betterment of all our people.
Let us provide the leadership necessary to do so, based on our shared heritage and continue to inspire tomorrow’s generations, as they look to us to lead the way forward. We have demonstrated time and again, that there is strength in unity and so we must relish the absence of physical borders and avoid creating mental or political barriers. For North and South, French and Dutch, the times are challenging, the responsibilities greater yet, but our common heritage remains the buttress to face these challenges head-on.
May God continue to bless our island nation.
Happy Saint Martin/Sint Maarten’s Day to One and All
Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams
Prime Minister of Sint Maarten