By Foresee Foundation
This upcoming May, culture and heritage will take centre stage through the stories of the lived experiences of the island’s seniors. Stories from the Heart through the Eyes of St. Maarten's Seniors is an initiative to honour and preserve the stories of our elders. The project is a collaboration between Hearts United Holistic Care Foundation and Les Fruits de Mer, focusing on capturing the memories, wisdom, and personal histories of elder community members through a professionally produced documentary and companion book.
At its core, the project ensures that senior voices – rich with stories of resilience, community, hardship and tradition – are preserved for future generations. Through video interviews, elders will offer a glimpse into St. Maarten’s past through the stories of their lives. This in turn, will help us deepen our understanding of the country’s present.
A nonprofit dedicated to supporting the elderly, individuals and families, Hearts United Holistic Care Foundation, provides essential services such as feeding programs, counselling, mentoring, rehabilitation, and care for those most in need. This storytelling initiative is an innovative extension of its mission, creating space for healing, recognition, and emotional connection as seniors share their lived experiences.
On the other hand, Les Fruits de Mer, based in Grand Case, brings extensive experience in cultural preservation, education, and publishing. Known for its books on St. Martin, free museum, and weekly articles exploring nature and heritage, the association plays a key role in collecting, shaping, and presenting oral histories that amplify senior narratives.
This project forms a living record of St. Maarten’s cultural evolution. The accompanying book will preserve these accounts in written form, ensuring they become a lasting part of the island’s cultural archive.
While the project centres on seniors, its impact reaches far beyond. Families gain a deeper appreciation for the journeys of their loved ones; educators benefit from culturally rich, firsthand material; and the wider community gains an authentic window into the experiences that have shaped the island. A public launch event, including a screening and book distribution, is scheduled for the latter part of May, celebrating both the participants and the enduring value of their stories.
This initiative is part of the Let’s ACT Program. The Let’s ACT Program, funded by the Fonds voor Cultuurparticipatie (FCP), is a collaborative initiative of CEDE Aruba, the St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF), and Foresee Foundation (4CF). The program is designed to expand public access to the arts, support local creatives, and build a sustainable cultural and artistic infrastructure on St. Maarten and Aruba. Running from April 2025 through September 2026, Let’s ACT will empower local artists and cultural organisations through funding, training, mentorship, and community engagement.
For more information about the project, contact the Director of Hearts United Holistic Care Foundation, Ms. Donna Morrison, at +1 (721) 523-0901.
