ST. EUSTATIUS–Turnout for this year’s King’s Day celebration in St. Eustatius was noticeably lower than last year. This year’s official celebration took place at the Museum Grounds instead of at Fort Oranje for safety reasons due to erosion.
Mistress of ceremonies for the King’s Day opening ceremony was student of Gwendoline van Putten school Millen Bennett.
There was only one uniformed group present on behalf of Seventh-Day Adventist Garfield Pathfinders Club, so the parade of uniformed group which takes place annually after the ceremony did not take place this year.
The King’s Day programme was conducted primarily by various pupils and students of primary and secondary schools.
Government Commissioner Marcolino “Mike” Franco addressed the audience. He welcomed everyone present and congratulated the students with their performances.
“I’ve heard that the people of St. Eustatius value tradition and culture, and we can see it on this morning in all the preparations in how you are all celebrating this King’s Day. We are not only celebrating the birthday of King Willem-Alexander from Oranje but also the ties we do have in this Kingdom together,” Franco said in closing off by wishing everyone “a very nice” King’s Day.
After the opening ceremony, the annual King’s Day Cycle-Thon took place, which started at F.D. Roosevelt Airport and ended at Cranston Ballpark. The children were provided with a free breakfast, lunch and snacks. Free ice cream was provided by the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights, coordinated by the King’s Day Festivities Committee.
There were various sports activities held throughout the day for children, such as tug of war, basketball, volleyball and many more.
Bron: Daily Herald