SXMElections.com

PHILIPSBURG--A few hundred people gathered on Clem Labega Square late Sunday afternoon to celebrate the National Day of Prayer.

The event was organised by the St. Martin Ministerial Foundation, the St. Maarten Council of Churches, the Seventh-Day Adventist Church and the Ministry of Education and Culture.

The service started with a word of welcome by Monique Rey, who said St. Maarten was a nation under God. She welcomed the dignitaries, who included Governor Eugene Holiday, Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, Minister of Finance Martin Hassink, Jean-David Richards of the Collectivité of French St. Martin and a number of MPs. Former Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams also was present.

After the singing of the St. Maarten Song, the call to worship and vocation was made by Salvation Army pastor Dones Lapaix, in a solemn yet joyful way that mimicked the demeanour of the audience.

There were hymns, scripture readings and a dance by a very talented group of young girls of Dance and Dimensions Academy, which was much appreciated by the audience.

Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs gave an inspirational speech in which he called on each St. Maartener to take responsibility in fulfilling his or her role to help the country to the best of his/her ability, no matter how big or how small that role.

Gumbs, who had some problems with his voice, wished everybody a happy and prosperous new year, and reminded all those present that taking the time to pray was an opportunity to take a step back and reflect. He said it was especially important to do this now, as St. Maarten is facing challenges as a young country. "We must contribute to our own initiative. Heaven helps those who help themselves," he said.

He called for stability, tranquillity and civility. Stability is important for confidence, amongst other things. "I didn't think I would ever have to impress the importance of tranquillity and civility on St. Maarten," he said, adding that the government also needed a dose of tranquillity and stability, and should lead by example.

He said it had reached the point where people look to the press and the social media to tell them what to do. "There is a lack of participation in government, and a division in party colours, race and class. St. Maarten needs you, the people, to be involved. All should heed the call to action," he said, reminding his audience that we can move forward only if we are willing to trust in our faith.

He called on the media, including Internet Websites and bloggers, to make a serious effort and to pay attention to the mission of prayer day. He invited the media to raise the bar and not walk around with a dagger to stick in people's backs. "If we all work in the interest of St. Maarten, it will benefit us all," he said.

He reminded the crowd that this year, we would be judged and evaluated in status as a country. "Let's really evaluate our performances as businesses and as individuals," he said, before recommending that everyone "take a look in the mirror and find our conscience-box, find love. We have to give to each other, we can't leave it all to God. We have a lot of work and praying to do. Do it for St. Maarten."

He concluded his speech by saying, "We can't do it alone; we must do it together," which was followed by enthusiastic applause from the crowd.

Gumbs' speech was followed by a song performed by a young girl. Her performance was well received by the crowd and saw people singing along and dancing.

A very long sermon by Wycliffe Smith, in which he reiterated time and again that we were not in control, was interrupted by a heavy rain shower, almost as though a higher force had decided to show the crowd that indeed the control lay in the hands of a higher force.

Smith's speech contained a number of political opinions and due to its length as well as the weather, a number of people did not stay. Comments on subjects such as gay marriage, abortion and euthanasia not matching with the norms of St. Maarten were not well-received by all members of the remaining audience. However, the pastor received loud applause from the majority of people who still remained at the end.

Intercessory prayers were said by Father Robert Johnson and a number of young members of the community, for government, economic stability, the family, youths and against crime and violence. These were followed by the Lord's Prayer.

Minister of Culture and Education Rita Bourne-Gumbs, whose ministry played a big role in the organisation of the event, gave words of thanks, before Pastor Esmond Fleming gave benediction. A closing hymn and praise and worship by the New Testament Baptist Church Worship Team and Band closed the event.