Great Bay, St. Maarten – The Governor of the Island Territory of St. Maarten, Mr. Franklyn Richards, is paying tribute to St. Maarten’s seniors citizens, for their valuable contributions made to the development of St. Maarten.  

Richards said that while communities the world over had marked International Day of Older Persons on October 1, St. Maarten should remember our elderly citizens every day and renew a commitment to ensure that our senior citizens are well cared for.  

“Most of our elderly, some of whom are residents of the St. Martin’s Home for the Aged in St. John’s Estate, can be described as some of the most knowledgeable sources of our traditions as well as being extra-ordinary vehicles of general knowledge”, says Richards. 

At a time, when continued reports surface of youth delinquency on our island, it would be ideal for younger St. Martiners to find the time to speak to these senior citizens, he noted. “They might very well learn so much more about our history and culture of the island”, said Governor Richards.

He also suggested that elderly persons forming part of the community should not be discouraged but rather be encouraged to interact with youngsters, whenever possible.

“The youth can be inspired to follow a way of life that was governed more by strong morals and family values, as was the case formerly”, he said. 

Richards said that he looked forward to having the island’s elderly citizens continue being pillars of strong morals in the community. He said that senior citizens are beacons of hope and symbols of resilience.

 “As an aspiring country, we have no choice but to remaining devoted to empowering older persons so that they can face their many challenges with greater ease. We must work together to ensure that all senior citizens receive all forms of support. Their final days on earth should never be characterized by complaints of loneliness and boredom alone”, said Governor Richards.

END