PHILIPSBURG--The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Affairs will launch a National Identity poll today, Friday, October 23.
Minister Rita Bourne-Gumbs told reporters at a Council of Ministers press briefing on Wednesday that the survey dates back to 2005, when data was collected to define who is a St. Maartener and on issues such as a national anthem. She said the process had been paused and in the interest of continuity, she will be revisiting this issue.
She said the ministry is looking at research that had been done since then, and a poll will be done on the identity of a St. Maartener. The poll will look at the identity of St. Maarteners in three categories: birth, heritage and by adoption.
The minister encourages the public to participate in the survey. She said the poll is being done to gather the views of the community on “various aspects of the identity” of a St. Maartener. Questions will also surround whether the country should have a national anthem and whether the current St. Maarten Song should be used or a new song should be composed.
“I don’t think this should be the decision of a minister or of handful of persons. It should be from the population of St. Maarten and that’s why we are sending it to the polls,” she explained.
The survey will be followed by panel discussions to clarify the subjects. “I encourage everyone to participate in the polls when it is launched to hear their views.”
