"If you see me moved, before you this morning, it is that this July 14 is particularly loaded with symbols in my eyes. First, because he is the first one I celebrate as president of the Collectivity. But also of course, because this July 14 is witness to a decade of a Saint Martin that has become an Overseas Collectivity, "said Daniel Gibbs in the preamble to his speech on July 14. Indeed this July 14 or "Bastille Day" as we used to say here, also marked the ten years of the Community.
As usual, the July 14 festivities began with a mass and then with the laying of wreaths in the COM gardens adorned with blue, white and red. Then the traditional parade took place. The population was able to admire the gendarmes, firefighters, scouts, the Biys brigade, majorettes and young dancers in traditional dress.
The political representatives of Sint Maarten and Anguilla had, as every year, accepted the invitation of the COM; their presence was greatly appreciated by President Gibbs, Prefect Anne Laubiès, Senator Guillaume Arnell and MP Claire Javois.
Chelsea Jhigai, Chair of the Territorial Youth Council, launched the speech ceremony. She recalled the values of the Republic and had a few words for Aline Hanson who died on June 29. She told adults that "young people need to be role models."
(More details on www.soualigapost.com)
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