PHILIPSBURG--As part of the transition process in honour of the service of outgoing Governor Eugene Holiday, and of the welcoming of incoming Governor Ajamu Baly, Governor Holiday will meet with the youth and the elderly this week.
On Friday, September 30, from 4:00-6:00pm, the Youth Parliament under the leadership of Connie Francis-Gumbs has organised a special event: “A Conversation with the Youth”.
A total of 36 youths representing different layers of St. Maarten’s society and various schools have been invited to discuss matters pertinent to the youth and St. Maarten, with the governor. One of the main questions that will be reviewed is how each person individually and the youth collectively can contribute to the further development of St. Maarten.
The youth are also able to ask any questions befitting the governor related to his 12 years in service and his upcoming departure.
The event will be hosted at the Government Administration Building in meeting rooms 1 and 2 on the ground floor. Interested persons are welcome to witness the youth in their interaction with the governor.
Joined by his wife Marie Louise Holiday, the governor will be visiting some of the senior citizens of St. Maarten. On Friday, September 30, the visit to Golden Age Foundation Home away from Home, led by Patricia Flanders, is scheduled.
On Saturday, October 1, International Day of the Elderly, an event is organised by St. Maarten Recreational Foundation and Meals on Wheels, led by Mary Bryson, to which the governor and his wife were invited. Both foundations cater for, among other things, the seniors’ nutritional needs by providing regular meals at various intervals during the week.
The Governor’s Transition Committee that has been installed, comprising the director of the Cabinet of the Governor, the secretary general of Parliament and the secretary general of the Council of Ministers, continues with the coordination of various other activities.
On Tuesday, October 4, there will be a special meeting of the Council of Ministers to bid Governor Holiday farewell.
The following day, Wednesday, October 5, a solemn meeting of Parliament will take place, at which Governor Holiday will deliver his farewell address to the population. This meeting will be preceded by a church service at Philipsburg Methodist Church at 9:00am, which will be open to the public. Invited guests and the public should be present no later than 8:30am.
On Saturday, October 8, the public can personally bid their farewell during a “Meet and Greet” at Emilio Wilson Park from 4:00pm to 6:30pm.
Sunday, October 9, has been reserved to display a series of videos highlighting the last weeks of Governor Holiday in office, which include the different events hosted throughout the Kingdom and by neighbouring French St. Martin in honour of his farewell.
The video presentation will climax with an exclusive interview hosted by Cedric Peterson of the Department of Communication with Governor Holiday and his wife. Further details on the upcoming activities are forthcoming.
