PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – Minister Plenipotentiary, Hon. Josianne Fleming–Artsen recently joined her colleagues from Curacao and Aruba at the Aruba House to meet with representatives from the Dutch National Committee 4 and 5 May.
Ministers Plenipotentiary in The Hague, the Netherlands representing their respective countries in the Kingdom, Minister J.A. (Alfonso) Boekhoudt (Aruba), Minister Hon. Marvelyne Wiels (Curacao) and Minister Hon. Fleming-Artsen (Sint Maarten), were informed by the National Committee about the ceremony for Remembrance Day on May 4 and Liberation Day on May 5.
Representing the National Committee in the meeting was its President Joan Leemhuis-Stout, Member K. Wawoe, and Justa Bezemer, Secretary.
“This meeting reflected on the importance of remembrance and liberation. Many questions were posed for reflection. Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten should tell their own stories about those from the islands who also gave their life while serving the Kingdom.
“What does World War II mean to the Antilles? What are the stories to be told? Sint Eustatius, Saba, and Bonaire also have stories to tell and these should also be told.
“With respect to the educational system, we should think about producing materials about World War II and the role that our people played. The history of World War II should be taught in the schools as it relates to world history.
“Organizing a World War II exhibition with stories from our countries would be a great idea to make our students and citizens aware, and at the same time enlightening the European Dutch citizen about the roles of these islands during the war.
“We can present it in combination with a music festival but with a message. A committee was established including members of the three Plenipotentiary houses which would continue to work out the ideas that were brought forward in the meeting.
“On May 4 all three ministers are expected to participate in the remembrance of those who died in World War II, and will also attend a classical concert in Amsterdam,” Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Josianne Fleming-Artsen said on Sunday.
The commemoration of Remembrance Day on May 4 will be televised at 18.00 hours in the Netherlands or at midnight Sint Maarten time.
PHOTO CUTLINE: L to R, National Committee member K. Wawoe, President of the National Committee Joan Leemhuis-Stout, Minister Hon. Marvelyne Wiels, Minister Hon. Josianne Fleming – Artsen, Minister Hon. J.A. (Alfonso) Boekhoudt, and Justa Bezemer Secretary of the Committee.
