Saint-Martin commemorates abolition of slavery with cultural tribute at The Old House

MARIGOT, Saint Martin--The Collectivité of Saint-Martin hosted an official commemoration of the abolition of slavery at The Old House in the Orléans district on Thursday, honoring the victims of slavery and paying tribute to the ancestors who endured the loss of freedom under the slave system.

The ceremony was followed by a cultural program organized by the Culture Department of the Collectivité under the theme “Years After Emancipation, The Making of a Country.” The event brought together elected officials, cultural performers, youth representatives, residents of Orléans and members of the public for a moment of remembrance, reflection and cultural expression.

The young elected members of the Territorial Youth Council opened the ceremony with dialogues highlighting the importance of the duty of memory at the historic site. They also explained the symbolism of placing flower garlands near the remains of the old sugar mill in tribute to the enslaved people who suffered there.

One of the moving highlights of the ceremony was the ancestral sound of the lambi conch, performed by Latisha Stephen. The sound added solemnity and cultural depth to the tribute.

The Saint-Martin anthem, “O Sweet St. Martin’s Land,” was sung a cappella by Amira Ottley. The French national anthem, “La Marseillaise,” was performed on traditional steel pan, creating a meaningful blend of heritage, identity and remembrance.

Official addresses were delivered by the representative of the District 1 Council, President Louis Mussington and Prefect Cyrille Le Vely. Through their remarks, they reflected on the history of the slave trade, the importance of remembrance and the need to preserve freedom, dignity and respect for all people.

The official ceremony concluded with a moment of reflection.

The cultural program was opened by the President of the Culture Commission, Valérie Damaseau, who spoke warmly about the historic importance of the Orléans district, the prominent figures connected to the community and the significance of The Old House as an emblematic site in Saint-Martin’s history.

The Old House then came alive through the spoken word performance of Audrey Claxton, accompanied by choreography from Company O and Co. Local associations and young artists also delivered moving performances throughout the program.

The audience was treated to poetry by Jocelyne Arnell and Saby Soualouiga, vocal performances by students of the Charlotte Brookson School, and musical presentations from Vocal Lab by Natisha Hanson and Pianissimo. The program closed with traditional dances by the Grain d’Or troupe.

All performers contributed to a powerful commemoration of one of the darkest periods in history, while honoring the resilience, memory and legacy of the ancestors who lived through slavery.

The Collectivité of Saint-Martin and its Cultural Affairs Department expressed sincere appreciation to all participants, artists, associations, residents of Orléans and members of the public who attended in large numbers and helped make the commemoration a meaningful moment of remembrance and unity.

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Images and info courtesy of the Collectivite of Saint Martin.

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