“Citizens of Change” is a new project to celebrate St. Martiners who have made a difference on the island. The public is invited to nominate people they would like to recognise. The stories of their work will be featured in an exhibit at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House, as well as online. The Les Fruits de Mer association and Be the Change Foundation are partners in this project.
“Amuseum Naturalis is a place to share all the stories of St. Martin,” explained Les Fruits de Mer President Jenn Yerkes. “Citizens of Change is an opportunity to share the stories of everyday people who have made a difference. It's also a chance for the community to tell us what they want to see in the Amuseum.”
People are encouraged to nominate anyone, living or dead, who have made a difference on St. Martin. Nominations for teachers, writers, artists, builders, farmers, craftsmen, cooks, parents and storytellers are encouraged. By citizen, we refer to ordinary members of the community, rather than political leaders. Nominees may be of any nationality.
Nominations can be made by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., on the Les Fruits de Mer Facebook page, or in person at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House. Nominations should include the name of the person nominated and a description of their contribution to the island.
“The success and survival of St. Martin has always depended on ordinary people making a difference,” said Be the Change Foundation Director Melanie Choisy. “Our organisation is dedicated to the kind of giving, sharing and volunteering that is part of St. Martin culture. We're excited to support a project that celebrates this spirit and the people who embody it.”
The “Citizens of Change” project is the “Be the Change” featured project for March. Donations made to the foundation this month will fund the creation of this exhibit. Donations can be made online at https://bethechangesxm.com
Les Fruits de Mer is a St. Martin-based non-profit association whose core mission is to raise awareness about nature, culture and sport. The organisation carries out this mission through publications, an education program, and special public outreach events that entertain, inspire and inform.
Amuseum Naturalis is a free museum of the nature, history and culture of St. Martin and the Caribbean, created by Les Fruits de Mer. It is located at the historic Old House in French Quarter on the hill above Le Galion
Be The Change Foundation, registered in May 2012, is a charity fundraising group that assists St. Maarten non-profit organisations with raising the monies needed for a particular cause while also promoting the mission and objectives of that NGO (non-governmental organisation) to encourage volunteerism.
