Some of the elderly enjoying the outing on Sunday.
MARIGOT--The elderly of the community enjoyed a bus tour of the island on Sunday, November 5, organized by the Collectivité’s Department of Solidarity and Families, on an invitation from Third Vice-President in charge of the department Annick Petrus-Ferga.
It was the first time many had been out of the house since the passing of hurricanes Irma and Maria, and they had requested to see the changes St. Martin has gone through since the passing of the storms. The bus made frequent stops so those who wanted could get out to see the sights could do so.
Director for the Elderly and Disable Care for the Collectivité Evelyne Ratchel noted the Collectivité normally organizes Blue Week each year a series of activities from October 2 to 8, for retired and elderly persons, but due to Hurricane Irma events had to be cancelled.
“As we are recovering from Irma, there are those who are not able to get around as before, and others for one reason or another do not get the opportunity to get out every day from their surroundings,” explained Ratchel.
The tour took the elderly from Marigot to Lowlands, through Cupecoy and past Princess Juliana Airport, to Philipsburg, Sucker Garden, Oyster Pond, French Quarter, Grand Case, and back to Marigot for an arrival in Bellevue around 5:00pm.
“In Philipsburg, the seniors enjoyed a snack and refreshments at the Cultural Centre and at the end of the tour they were each presented with a basket of fruit to thank them for their participation and to show our love for them,” Ratchel added.
