Minister Jacobs: “Don’t use Carnival to settle beefs”
GREAT BAY– With Carnival officially opened, over-indulging by some adults is something that can be expected, but in light of the excitement surrounding the series of events ahead, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Silveria Jacobs issued a strong message on Monday evening.
Minister Jacobs extended a hearty welcome to the visitors to the island who are here especially for the Carnival season as well as the residents who have been anxiously waiting for the season to begin.
Before delving further into her short address, Minister Jacobs used the opportunity to call for a moment of silence as a tribute to St. Maarten’s Flag woman’ Felicia Priest, who was known all over the island and who passed away on Monday morning. She also made mention of another Carnival stalwart that has passed away Miss Aline Arrondell, who operated booth #51.
“Carnival has already started and safety has been our first concern and clean fun has been out motto. I believe that government and the SCDF will continue to work along with our corporate sponsors to continue to grow the cultural, economic and more important part the nice great fun for the visitors and people of St Maarten,” the minister stated.
She also thanked sponsors and organizations that helped to make Carnival possible and expressed the hope that the collaborations continues over the years. According to Minister Jacobs, the presence of so many young SCDF volunteers on stage is a clear signal of longevity within the structure of the event’s organizers.
“Congratulations to you I know that you will all be very tired at the end of this but it will worth it. We would like to urge parents to take their responsibilities seriously and make sure that their children are safe.
Additionally, we hope that the youths refrain from drinking and excessive negative behavior and try not to use Carnival to end beefs that started when they were in school or on the streets. Clean happy fun is what we need; let us keep St. Maarten as a friendly island where visitors come to experience life.” Minister Jacobs also reiterated government’s position to pledge even more in the years to come.
TelEm CEO Kendall Dupersoy, who also served as SCDF President a few years ago took the opportunity to invite members of his commercial team on stage.
“These are the main people that have put together all the hard work that has been done prior to the start of Carnival. Carnival is a very important part of our culture and we have to start to put a little more effort into it,” he said.
He however stressed the importance for people to be more supportive of the local events and further congratulated the current board of the SCDF for the work they have been doing. “As an old SCDF member, I know how much work it is, but keep up the good work.”
SCDF President Alston Alvarino Lourens pointed out that the events would not be possible without the invaluable assistance from the scores of volunteers. “We need our volunteers, we need our corporate sponsors to make sure that we can turn on our lights and get things going,” he said.
He stated that Carnival this year however will be epic, a fun event and a safe one and is looking forward to seeing the Festival Village filled every night for the remaining of the season. The SCDF’s President meaning of epic was demonstrated during a brief dance routine by a group of volunteers.
For the very first time, ‘King Momo’ the fictitious character who is only seen on the final night of the celebrations came to life on stage amid a cloud of mist, music and fireworks. However, on the final night in question, the figure that represented King Momo on stage will be more than three times his size.
Photo caption: For the very first time in the Festival Village, King Momo’s replica came to life in a dramatic fashion shrouded by a cloud of mist much to the surprise and delight of the hundreds that had gathered in front of the stage late on Monday evening. Photo Today / Milton Pieters
Top photo caption: Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Silveria Jacobs (center) addressed the gathering shortly after the Festival Village was officially open to the public. Photo Today / Milton Pieters
