Tuesday, September 10, 2019 marked the beginning of a New Parliamentary (PY 2019-2020) Year for the Parliament of Sint Maarten.
September 10, 2019 also marked the second year that the Parliament of Sint Maarten recognized persons in the community for deeds worth mentioning. Last year Parliament recognized persons who were helpful in their communities, after the passing of the devastating Hurricane Irma.
This year Parliament recognized persons and organizations for their contribution in protecting our environment for our future generations during the reception held at Sheer restaurant on the occasion of the Opening of the New Parliamentary Year. Special recognition in the form of a certificate of appreciation, were presented by the Honorable President of Parliament, Sarah A. Wescot-Williams to several persons and organizations.
Ms. Bodine Beentjes; a young girl who realized that within her district every one really wanted to recycle but they did not have a facility to do so and as a result she took the initiative and started a separation of garbage project in her neighborhood and then added two more neighborhoods. The separated recyclables which include plastic bottles, glass, cardboard, and aluminum are picked up twice a week by Clean St. Maarten and processed.
Oil Mop Environmental Services Limited (OMES); a locally owned environment and waste management service company whose mission is to provide practical cost-effective solutions to environmental and waste management problems, through careful consideration of local conditions also received special recognition.
Also receiving certificate of appreciation was Mr. Boykie Mendez, who through his company has just started a pilot program within the House of the Parliament of Sint Maarten by providing containers to separate paper, plastic, carton, and tins. This all is done free of charge.
Mr. Steve Hammond of Reef-It Snorkel Park received special recognition for his contribution by assisting with the restoring of the coral life around the island. Reef-It Snorkel Park also educate youngsters on the island on how to protect the coral around Sint Maarten.
Another organization receiving special recognition for their contribution towards the environment of Sint Maarten is EPIC Environmental Protection in the Caribbean. Certificate of appreciation was given to this organization for always cleaning up Sint Maarten’s beaches, while they also cut paths for tourists to walk and hike on St. Maarten. This enhances the environment for all residents and tourists alike. Ms. Natalia Collier was present to receive the certificate on behalf of the organization.
No Kidding With Our Kids Foundation, Mrs. Merlyn Schaminee-Miguel also received special recognition for the ASA recycling project.
In her closing remarks, President of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams also mentioned having noticed persons who have been providing food and homes for stray animals on the island. She stated that when the animals are homeless and hungry on the street it becomes a hazard for our environment. The President of Parliament reminded all persons that animals are also part of our Sint Maarten environment; hence the reason for thanking all persons for going the extra mile in safeguarding the environment.