MP Doran proposes St. Martin Culture Week to preserve heritage, and boost tourism

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Egbert J. Doran has formally submitted a proposal to the Ministers of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS) and Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) to explore the establishment of an annual St. Martin Culture Week, aimed at preserving the island’s cultural heritage while creating new opportunities for tourism, small businesses and local communities.

The proposal follows Doran’s remarks during the 2027 Budget debate, when he stressed the importance of safeguarding St. Martin’s traditions, history and cultural identity for future generations.

“Our culture is part of who we are, and preserving it should be a shared responsibility,” Doran stated.

The proposed Culture Week would bring together schools, senior citizens, cultural organizations, local businesses and communities through activities celebrating the island’s past and present. These could include traditional storytelling, fishing and agriculture demonstrations, local cooking competitions, guavaberry making, traditional games, folk music, dance and the sharing of local customs and expressions.

Doran envisions experienced fishermen demonstrating traditional fishing techniques, farmers showcasing traditional crops and agricultural practices, and local cooks and grandparents teaching younger generations how dishes such as johnny cakes, saltfish and breadfruit were prepared in earlier times. Friendly cooking competitions could also provide an opportunity for families, home cooks and chefs to celebrate traditional recipes.

A central component of the proposal is the preservation of knowledge held by St. Martin’s senior citizens. Doran believes that many elders possess valuable stories and firsthand experiences about the island’s development, traditions and way of life that should be documented and shared with younger generations before they are lost.

Beyond cultural preservation, Doran believes the initiative could strengthen St. Martin’s tourism product by introducing visitors to experiences rooted in the island’s history and identity, while generating economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

“Tourists do not visit St. Martin only for our beaches, shopping and restaurants. Many also want to experience our people, understand our history, taste our traditional foods and learn what makes our island unique,” Doran explained in his correspondence.

He noted that an annual Culture Week could benefit fishermen, farmers, artisans, entertainers, storytellers, local cooks and small businesses, providing additional opportunities to showcase their skills, products and services.

Doran emphasized that the initiative is not intended to duplicate existing cultural programs, but rather to complement and expand upon current activities through a coordinated annual event that residents and visitors could anticipate.

The MP has requested a joint meeting with ECYS Minister Melissa Gumbs and TEATT Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten, along with their respective departments, to discuss the proposal’s feasibility, potential costs, funding opportunities and possible implementation.

“The concept is simple: bring our culture back to life, pass it on to our younger generations, and create an experience that both residents and visitors can enjoy,” Doran stated.

He expressed hope that cooperation between the two ministries could establish Culture Week as a lasting national initiative that strengthens cultural education, community involvement and tourism development.

“Our stories, our traditions and our way of life are part of what makes St. Martin special. We must make sure the next generation gets to experience them, not just hear about them,” Doran concluded.

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