Celebration International Justice Day

July 18, 2012 9:59 AM

PHILIPSBURG - A morning opening ceremony held under the cool of a white tent officially opened celebrations of the second annual International Justice Day at Clem Labega Square at 9:00am Tuesday 17 July.

The ceremony, applauding all those working in the Justice Sector, which boasts the largest number of personnel in government, began with the singing of St. Maarten's Song by Officer Gijsbertha and an opening prayer by Pastors Illidge and Philbert.
 
Members of the St. Maarten Police Force, including newly recruited officers, other uniformed members of the Justice Sector and representatives of the Gendarmes listened intently to speeches given by dignitaries in attendance, including Governor Eugene Holiday, Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams, Minister of Justice Roland Duncan, President of the Collectivité of St. Martin Alain Richardson and Chief Minister of Anguilla Hubert Hughes.
 
In her official remarks, Prime Minister Wescot-Williams, on behalf of the Council of Ministers of St. Maarten, extended her appreciation and congratulations to Minister of Justice Roland Duncan and his ministry on organising the activities surrounding International Justice Day.
 
"Today is a day in which we can reflect on the steps and strives made in our own Justice System. We have a lot to be proud of in St. Maarten and the Justice area is no exception. The Justice Ministry is one of the ministries which we have had to build from scratch.
 
"St. Maarten was finding its way in making sure that when 10-10-10 came around the safety and security of our citizens would be assured. And today, as Prime Minister of Country St. Maarten, I can safely say that we have come a long way and without any doubt this has been possible through the collaboration and hard work of those involved in the chain of Justice in St. Maarten," she said.
 
The ceremony ended with Minister Duncan congratulating members of the Justice Sector on all they had achieved thus far and stating that he expected nothing but excellence from them. In his speech, Duncan also stressed the importance of cooperation.
 
Duncan then awarded certificates of recognition to persons who have served many years in St. Maarten's Justice Sector. Uniformed services then proceeded with demonstrations and a grand march through Philipsburg.
 
An Info Fair began at 12:00pm with booths manned by Justice staff representing the various departments with information about recruitment and educational materials.

(The Daily Herald)