From left: Esman Hook, Bunny Busby, Deputy Government Commissioner Alida Francis, Government Commissioner Marnix van Rij, Althea Merkman and Camberley Berkel at the Golden Rock League of Merit ceremony.
ST. EUSTATIUS--Golden Rock League of Merit honoured four residents of St. Eustatius – Hilda Berkel, Esman Hook, Althea Merkman and Mary Busby – at a ceremony at Vincent A. Lopes Legislative Hall on Statia Day, on Monday, November 16.
Present at the ceremony, which was moderated by Nadine De Graf-Busby, were Government Commissioner Marnix van Rij, Deputy Government Commissioner Alida Francis, Island Secretary Malvern Dijkshoorn-Lopes, Island Council members and family members and friends of the four honourees.
Van Rij, on behalf of the community of Statia, congratulated the recipients on their special achievement and expressed the island’s gratitude for their contributions to the community.
The League of Merit was established by the Statia island government to pay tribute to those who have contributed to society. The award started in 2011 when the Island Council unanimously adopted the proposal.
Francis said the four who were honoured have collectively provided more than 150 years of contributions to Statia. She said it does not matter how old a person is, it only matters that they are willing to contribute to their island when it matters most. “For many of the persons who are being honoured today, it has been a lifetime of contributions to the island.” She said that some of the recipients had been caught off guard, because they never expected anything in return.
“I stand here as a very proud Statian to thank all those who have worked tirelessly for the community, as well as their families who have stood beside them,” Francis said.
Outstanding Contribution to Society awardee Hilda Berkel pursued her education in the field of nursing at Leiden University in the Netherlands. After completing her education, she worked in the Netherlands, England and Canada. On her return to Statia she worked tirelessly to establish Chapel Piece Health and Recreational Centre for seniors, which was established in 1999. The centre targets social isolation, offers proper nutrition and promotes integration of seniors in society.
The foundation believes that the cornerstone of community and the dignity of each individual must be recognised and respected from cradle to grave regardless of physical, mental and moral conditions.
Camberley Berkel accepted the award on behalf of her great-aunt.
Esman Hook was awarded the Medal for Extraordinary Achievement. He has a passion for sports and advanced sports on the island through the establishment of many of Statia’s sport leagues. He has contributed as an athlete, coach and trainer in many sports, while also representing the island abroad.
Althea Merkman, the awardee of the Medal of Exceptional Contribution to Society, has worked over the years to preserve Statia’s culture and heritage by actively getting involved and donating her time to organisations such as St. Eustatius Historical Foundation and striving for the upkeep of this organisation. She was coached by one of Statia’s best, the late Miriam Schmidt.
Merkman is known as someone who will give visiting tourists the best of Statia and go the extra mile to perform her duties. She is nicknamed “The Blue Bead Lady” for her ability to find Statia’s famed beads.
She keeps Statia in the world’s eyes through her work as a correspondent for The Daily Herald and her work at the Tourist Office. She also worked as a disc jockey at three radio stations for many years.
Mary Busby received the Medal of Outstanding Contribution. She came from a time when it was said that it takes a village to raise a child.
Parents in Statia put their children in her care at Sunday School. Busby is among the persons considered the backbone of the Methodist Church and is still going strong at 101 years of age. She has assured that many children in Statia received a good Christian upbringing. Over the years she acted as president of the Methodist Church’s women’s league and was the church’s class leader for more than 50 years.
Busby’s daughter Bunny accepted the award on her behalf.
