PHILIPSBURG--The Council of Ministers on Thursday shared more details on the celebration of Flag Day on Saturday, June 13. Taking into account that the 35th anniversary of Flag Day is taking place in the midst of the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the government of St. Maarten has organised two official events to mark this special day.
The first event will take place in front of the Government Administration Building in Philipsburg at 6:00am Saturday. Due to the existing social distancing protocols and as a response to COVID-19, only invited guests will be allowed to attend this event.
The event will feature the singing of the St. Maarten Song, raising of the flag, and official addresses by Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs and Minister of Education Culture, Youth and Sport Rodolphe Samuel.
“I hope to see everyone, citizens and guests alike on Saturday, waving their flags and dressed in their red, white and blue as a display of unity, patriotism and respect for the St. Maarten flag, as we make our way around the country during the Flag Day Thank You Motorcade,” Jacobs said.
The motorcade will make its way through the districts, starting at 2:00pm, from Soualiga Boulevard to the Philipsburg police station, Sucker Garden, Bishop Hill, Dutch Quarter, Mt. William Hill, Madame Estate, Bush Road, L.B. Scott Road, White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation in St. John’s, South Reward, St. Peters, Cole Bay, the causeway bridge, Simpson Bay, Cay Hill and back to Philipsburg.
“This is my St. Maarten flag; this is our St. Maarten flag. The St. Maarten flag is part of our identity. Everyone should honour and display our flag with pride and treat it with respect,” said Samuel as he wished everyone a wonderful 35th anniversary of Flag Day.
The Council of Ministers is calling on the entire community to show its solidarity and gratitude to the front-liners and all individuals who in one way or another contributed to the successful response to and containment of the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 front-liners and essential workers are invited to be a part of the motorcade. They include representatives of the healthcare sector, Emergency Operations Center (EOC) groups and their support stakeholders, teachers and representatives of businesses such as grocery stores, security and cleaning services, hardware stores, banks, office supply stores and restaurants.
Representatives of these organisations are asked to be present in front of the Government Building at 1:00pm to ensure a prompt departure at 2:00pm sharp.
As the Flag Day Thank You Motorcade makes its way through the island all persons are asked to come out on the roadsides within their neighbourhoods, keeping in mind proper social distancing, to express their gratitude and wave the St. Maarten flag and honour the COVID-19 front-line heroes.
