Next Monday is Flag Day, marking the 37th anniversary of the St. Maarten flag’s official approval by the then Island Council in 1985 (see related story). It’s not a day off, mind you, as in practice November 11 – when the Dutch and French sides celebrate their peaceful co-existence – is considered the island’s “national” holiday.
Nevertheless, June 13 remains important in terms of national pride. People are invited to “show their colours” and spread a welcome message of patriotism, certainly after all the community has been through in the past half-decade.
Incidentally, the country’s biggest flag at Bell‘s Lookout Point appears to have been missing since January 21, when it was taken down after – not for the first time – ripping apart. According to a report in The Daily Herald of February 2, Volunteer Corps St. Maarten VKS, which raises and lowers the flag, was awaiting funds from government for the necessary repairs.
Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs commented later during a press briefing that they had to check whether fixing it would be worth the money, rather than buying a new one. However, the flag needs to be practically storm-proof due to the wind-prone location and is quite expensive.
Hopefully it will be proudly displayed and visible for all to see come Monday, also to symbolise the resilience once again demonstrated to – with considerable financial help of the Netherlands – bounce back from an unprecedented COVID-19 crisis, thereby confirming the “SXM Strong” slogan adopted after the devastating passage of Hurricane Irma less than three years earlier.
The war in Europe and its impact on prices of basically everything has now brought new challenges including a rising cost of living as well as doing business, creating the perfect inflation storm. This obstacle too will eventually be overcome, because when the going gets tough, the tough get going.
