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The following address was delivered by St. Maarten’s governor Franklyn Richards, on Wednesday, May 29, on the occasion of the presentation of royal decorations: It gives me great pleasure, also on behalf of my wife, Angela, to welcome all of you to our residence, for the 2009 presentation of royal decorations on the island territory of St. Maarten. I am, as always, honored to have as our special guests, a group of St. Maarten residents, being honored with this year’s royal decorations, on the occasion of Queen’s Birthday 2009. In awhile, they will be called forward in recognition of their being citizens who want to make a difference in our community.
By royal decree of February 14, 2009, number 09.000402, six persons on St. Maarten are this year honored with royal decorations: one is being promoted to Knight in the Order of Orange Nassau and another five are now members in the Order of Orange Nassau. They have come from among the ranks of those actually taking up the responsibility of doing something for others, with perseverance, continuity and enthusiasm – without self-interest or the objective of profit. These persons have displayed not only commitment but have established a track record, over a considerable period of time, in serving the community. These are persons who have not shied away from practicing volunteerism and displaying community involvement in, among others, the following areas: Nature preservation, culture, environmental legislation, education, work with the physically impaired, work with the elderly, the church, the youth and the less fortunate in our society, With your volunteerism and activism and your contributions to achieving a better St. Maarten, you have proven that you do care; enough so to keep on doing what you have been doing. Terms like community service usually come to mind when thinking about this year’s decorees. And you have shown that activism is not necessarily something more radical, more political, on occasion, it paves the way for social justice, which is more apt for calling attention to structural issues that need to be addressed in one’s community. The 2009 decorees are receiving decorations, after having met the criteria for the receiving of royal decorations, which include paying attention to outstanding, charitable and personal services or achievements. I am delighted that, this year’s recipients of royal decorations could join us, along with members of your families and friends, to mark this festive occasion. Receiving the royal decoration, “Knight in the order of Orange- Nassau” is: Mrs. Elsje Bosch Persons receiving the royal decoration, “Member in the Order of Orange-Nassau” are: Ms. Selma Baker Mr. Les Brown Mrs. Gretha Mathew-Martina Mrs. Esperancia Sutton-Rogers Mrs. Yadira Veen-Bernabela The nomination process leading up to these persons being decorated is assisted by the RODAC committee, which has an advisory role to my office. Allow me to express words of gratitude to all the members of this committee, for their continued support of the procedures culminating in this gathering, on an annual basis. I wish, in closing to applaud each and every one of the 2009 royal decorations recipients and wish to pass on that the Governor of the Netherlands Antilles, His Excellency Mr. Frits Goedgedrag, conveys his personal best wishes to you, as well. I thank you. End |
