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~ Seven honoured for unbroken service ~

PHILIPSBURG--Commander of the Voluntary Corps St. Maarten VKS Major Antonio Rogers on Saturday made a firm call for persons who have personal agendas and those who pretend that the organisation is "upside down," to "resign and seek affliction elsewhere."

He made the remarks during the VKS' 18 anniversary celebrations on Saturday.

"We have uncomfortable truths that are hurting the VKS," Rogers said.

"It is time to place meaningful balms on these wounds which have occurred over the last years and are still present. Those members who do not want peace because of their personal agenda and who are pretending the organisation is upside down, I ask you to resign and seek affliction elsewhere. VKS will remain a God fearing organisation where discipline is foremost," Rogers stressed. He called on the other VKS members, board members, authorities to work together to "make sure this prestigious organisation continues."

He said the VKS must be given adequate tools to work with and said those responsible to see that this happens "must be instructed to do so."

VKS at an operational level is capable of charting its own future. "The past cannot be held onto. Dwelling on the past, even living in the past, must become something of the past. It is time to realise that there is also a future for our organisation and together we must charter and prepare for our future. And if we don't, if we are reluctant to prepare, this organisation might cease to exist. Let's be proactive and design a voluntary corps to our likeness, within the parameters the existing rules and laws of the land."

He urged VKS members to start thinking outside of the box and not let others think for the organisation. "Look at the civil/or defence forces of our neighbouring independent countries. They look smart, are smart and are proud men/women of their organisation. They also make their governments proud," he noted.

He also touched on integrity saying that every penny that has been invested in the VKS has been well spent. "Our return, which is service, is of immense importance to Country St. Maarten. The success of this organisation is based on principles, integrity, values, good morals, and men and women who are willing to serve."

Honoured

In the meantime, seven members of the VKS were honoured for seven and a half years of continuous and unbroken service to the organisation during the celebration. Pinned with special service ribbons were Ambrose Brooks, Clive Carty, Elasio Hassell, Emile Levons, Georges Richardson, Philmorre Watson and Jose Zimmerman. Two other persons Natalie Flanders and Lucien Hodge were also honoured, but were not present to be pinned.

In remarks, Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs said although St. Maarten has financial constraints, government will continue to take the steps necessary to ensure that VKS has the funding needed to carry on its vital mission.

The curtains opened on the anniversary celebrations with members of the disciplined services and groups marching to the Government Administration Building. Participating in the march were the VKS members, its band and new recruit class, police, Coast Guard, Pointe Blanche Prison guards, Royal Anguilla Police Force and its marching band and the Police Municipal of St. Martin.

The actual VKS anniversary was Sunday, June 28. The ceremony was witnessed by a cross section of the community including a number of dignitaries from St. Maarten, Anguilla and French St. Martin.

At the conclusion of the official part of the ceremony, the various forces paraded through Philipsburg going down Back Street and across to Front Street. The procession passed dignitaries at the Courthouse and concluded the parade in front of the Catholic Church.

Members and guests attended a church service where they received prayers and had an opportunity to give prayers for continued safety and service to St. Maarten. Following the Church service, the day's festivities concluded with a small reception at the upper level of the St. Maarten Festival Village. At this reception, trophies were given to the winners of the VKS sports week competitions.

Some VKS drum band members were also awarded for their long standing commitment as "extraordinary" members. The Anguilla and the French Municipal police were thanked for their commitment to the good relations of the islands.