PHILIPSBURG--At 9:06am on September 6, persons across the country should stop what they are doing for two minutes and reflect on the ferocious and destructive Hurricane Irma, which wreaked havoc throughout the island as the worst storm to hit St. Maarten.
This was the call made by Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (ECYS) Wycliffe Smith on Wednesday. Smith is urging the community, on behalf of government, to use two minutes on “Irma’s anniversary” to reflect on where they had been prior to Irma and to “give God thanks” for life and strength.
In explaining why the call is being made for 9:06am, the minister said nine represents September being the ninth month in the calendar, and six represents the sixth day of the month, which is when Irma struck.
“On Thursday, September 6, 2018 at 9:06am, we would like everyone to stop whatever you are doing and reflect and commemorate… If you are at work, stop working for two minutes. If you are driving, stop driving for two minutes.”
Referring to the time as “silent 906,” Smith said the public will be hearing more on how to make the two minutes on Irma’s anniversary as meaningful as possible leading up to the anniversary.
