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~ To commemorate Victor Schoelcher ~
GRAND CASE--St. Martin Territorial Council President Aline Hanson and fellow Territorial Council members led a well-attended festive host of activities for the traditional Victor Schoelcher Celebration, also known as Grand Case Fête, in Grand Case on Tuesday morning.
The celebration commemorates both Grand Case and the contributions of Schoelcher against the institution of slavery and towards liberation of the slaves.
Festivities kicked off with a religious service at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, followed by the traditional parade through Bertin Maurice Boulevard, and ended with official speeches by St. Martin leaders and a formal cocktail ceremony at the Grand Case ball field.
The official programme was followed by live music, entertainment and sport activities throughout the afternoon and evening.
Current problems facing Grand Case and ongoing district projects were touched on in the addresses by President Aline Hanson and District Council representative Patricia Chance-Duzant. Preserving St. Martin culture and identity was a key point of Member of Parliament Daniel Gibbs' address and the gathering also heard words of solace by Préfète Anne Laubies.
