SXMElections.com

>PHILIPSBURG:--- It was exactly a Cultural Manifestation on Wednesday, July, 1 at the Emancipation day celebrations which started Tuesday evening with the run to freedom at Diamond Hill Estate. A re-enactment of slaves running from the Dutch side of the island towards the French border while being chased by slave masters. It was an emotional evening, poetry and encouraging words portrayed by several speakers.

A cultural Parade started at 2:30pm at the start of Marigot Hill and made its way throughout Sint Peters. Residents were woken up by the drums of drum bands marching to the Emilio Wilson Park. Carnival Queen Contestants and Minister of Culture Rita Bourne Gumbs headed the parade chipping and smiling the entire time. Dressed in African frolic wear, the participants made a spectacle of the parade.

At the Emilio Wilson Park, food tents and vendors sold their goodies to the reasonable crowd in the park. The attendance was not to full capacity however the atmosphere was reasonable. The definite highlight of the day was a dance performed by Minister Rita Bourne Gumbs and former ministers Patricia Lourens, Rhoda Arrindell and Silveria Jacobs.

Governor Eugene Holiday, Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs and Minister of Culture Rita Bourne Gumbs and President of the Voices Foundation Esther Illis paid their respects to Emilio Wilson at his statue situated in the Park.

Minister Bourne said that the dance is a tribute to the ancestors of the country. 11 voices were honored by the culture department and Voices foundation who organized the manifestation. The persons are recognized for their personalities on Radio. SMN news brings you the official speeches by Governor Eugene Holiday, Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs and Minister of Culture Rita Bourne Gumbs.

Click here to view photos of the 2015 Emancipation Day Celebration.

Marcel Gumbs mentioned 2 times
Rhoda Arrindell mentioned 1 time
Silveria Jacobs mentioned 1 time