PHILIPSBURG – Picture book S’Maatin Then and Now! A Historic and Photographic excursion was recently launched at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library.
The book is a joint publication of Foundation Educonsult and the Philipsburg Jubilee Library.
The Henry Brookson and Anne Paas family as well as Seven Seas Water sponsored the publication.
The book S’Maatin Then and Now! is a compilation of historical pictures, which are part of a collection of the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT) in Amsterdam, and recent pictures by Educonsult. This book was originally planned to be published at the occasion of the library’s 90-year celebration of November 2013, however, Robert Cijntje and Dr. Maria van Enckevort approached the Philipsburg Jubilee Library with the idea to commemorate the island’s new situation next to the old system for that festive occasion. However, there were some delays and the book was launched on September 1, 2016.
The event was inspiring and uplifting. Presenters like Roberto C. Arrindell recited his poem “A say come, let we go back to the good old days when we use to…”; Storyteller Garfield “Papa Umpo” Young performed “Salt pond Goddess”; National Institute of the Arts (NIA) Clara Reyes sang a potpourri of songs like “Mr. Jambolee bing bang” and presented the “Then,” and Quon Gordon presented the “Now” with a song called “Love” by Musiq Souldchild.
Foundation Educonsult and the Philipsburg Jubilee Library believe that through this book, “our youth will be encouraged to better understand the culture and the heritage of our island. Senior St. Maarteners will recognize images from their youth. The high quality historical pictures will now be accessible to a wider public. S’Maatin Then and Now! will inspire all who love S’Maatin to protect and preserve this beautiful island for generations to come,” a statement from the library said.
The library expressed appreciation to the sponsors, and thanked all who helped to make the event a success: Henry Brookson, the Anne Paas family, Seven Seas Water, Stichting Educonsult: Maria van Enckevort, Marseno Bremer, Robert Cijntje, KIT Royal Tropical Institute from Amsterdam, Green Fingers and SXM Thrift Shop Don’t Trash it, Cash it, Joanna Simeon and all the attendees.
“S’ Maatin Then and Now! A historical and photographic excursion” will be available for purchase at St. Maarten National Heritage Foundation and Museum on Front Street, Parrot Ville Bird Park & Heritage Museum located on Bishop Hill Road, Belvedere and the library.
