Spotlight falls on the youth during Bastille Day speeches
WEDNESDAY, 14 JULY 2010 22:47
MARIGOT--President Frantz Gumbs in his Bastille Day speech at Hotel de La Collectivité on Wednesday underlined the contrasting achievements of young people in a St. Martin society impacted by social issues and unemployment, but implored the disadvantaged or under achievers to never get discouraged or give up as "their time will come."
Speeches generally were consistent with this year's theme for the national holiday "An Ambitious Youth engaged in its Future."
"I know many of our youngsters are frustrated and discouraged and I know that many lack guidance and assistance, but others are so desperate they have a complete disregard for law and order, jail, and life. How did they get to such a point of no return?" Gumbs questioned rhetorically. "We have a collective responsibility to coordinate solutions and I can say that the Collectivité is resolutely engaged to offer young people constructive and worthwhile opportunities."
He noted on the other hand the many ambitious young people who have boundless energy and enthusiasm, and made mention of the Junior Territorial Council whose 23 members were present, as a model example of that enthusiasm.
Aside from the speech of President Gumbs, speeches were given by Préfet Délégué Jacques Simonnet, Senator Louis-Constant Fleming, and President of the Junior Territorial Council Gaël Gombs.
Senator Fleming reminded that it was the eve of the anniversary of the now three-year-old Collectivité, the installation of which was not as easy as first thought.
"What is clear is that we cannot change or rewrite history and we are obliged to accept it and look to the future with optimism," he said. "We have more autonomy, more authority, and the means to accompany that authority."
Fleming also had critical words for the state, highlighting the state's failure to "manage and protect its public domain" regarding the land occupation situation in Sandy Ground which is now in a laborious process of being regulated, its "incapacity to control immigration on a territory of 30,000 inhabitants", and the "waste" of public spending by services such as Caisse Allocation Familiale (CAF) and others that have a negative effect on society and particularly the youth.
Bastille Day activities were reduced this year due mainly to financial constraints but still included the church service, the laying of wreaths in the garden of Hotel de La Collectivité, and a parade on Boulevard de France with several troupes.
Fireworks and the musical activities on the waterfront were cancelled much to the chagrin of vendors who benefit from that extra business.
Following the speeches there was an informal toast in the garden to mark the national holiday.
Interim Lt. Governor Reynold Groenenveldt, Leader of Government William Marlin, and Commissioner Theo Heyliger were among government dignitaries from Dutch St. Maarten attending the church service, wreath-laying, and parade. However, they did not stay for the speeches.
Anguilla was well represented at the ceremonies with Chief Minister Hubert Hughes, Minister of Youth and Culture Edison Baird, Minister of Home Affairs Walcott Richardson, Minister of Infrastructure Evans Gumbs, and Special Adviser Samuel Webster, all attending.
In keeping with the youth theme, the occasion was also an opportunity for the Collectivité to present five plaques recognising some of the youngsters who have excelled and shown particular determination, enthusiasm, and hard work in their different fields; from sports to entertainment and business.
The French side girls' gymnastics team with their coach Gratienne Riom were recognised for their achievement in winning 13 medals (6 gold and 7 bronze) at an event in Martinique in May while the Speedy Plus Athletics Club was also recognised for similar achievements by its athletes. Vice-President of Speedy Plus, Henry Connor, accepted the award on behalf of the club.
The owners of clothes design company "Aze Krox," Philbert Benjamin and Kael Fazer, both 19 years old, were recognised as was musical artist "Hypnoz" (Pierre Charville) who has a music production company. The award was accepted on his behalf by Alice Charville.
Lastly, Kevin Stephen was presented with the award for running two businesses, his clothing store Treadz in St. James and the cleaning company Sparkle Services.
The awards were presented by members of the Junior Territorial Council. Earlier a video made by Our News studio highlighted the recipients and their achievements.
