PHILIPSBURG:— Peridot Foundation states: “the final days of the year 2020 are slowly waning away to an end. We look back to a year marked by hardship and fear. Many gave up on their hopes and aspirations for a better future for their families and their country. Desperate and often disillusioned by the failure of their leaders who pledged to serve in the best interest of all, some people rightfully feel let down and betrayed.”
“The state of mental health of society in general as well as for individuals who have been under extreme pressure for some time is harrowing. The past year has been troublesome and traumatic for too many who became victims of violence in their homes, neighborhoods or workplaces. It’s been a disturbing year for those left behind after loved ones decide for whatever reason to do the unspeakable and take their own lives. They are nothing but names known and un-known to no one but their loved ones.
We read about them. We cannot afford to turn our backs away and must continue to raise awareness for a safer and better society. We must do this no matter how insurmountable the obstacles look”.
Arrindell continued:
“Thankfully the past year also showed rays of kindness and acts of generosity. There were kindness and understanding from persons and businesses that stepped forward during these tough times and made their community a better and safer place through their actions. Actions of kindness no matter how small speak louder than words. A society that is bereft of kindness and compassion towards the most vulnerable among us, will be destined to be plagued by violence and hardship. Our hope for the New Year and forward is to see more and decisive actions from the government as well as structural attention and funding for our mental health institutions. Additionally, recruiting psychologist, psychiatrist, social workers and other professionals in the fields of mental well-being means making a conscious investment in the future well -being of our young nation”.
Gracita states; “we take this opportunity to say heartfelt thank you to all those who have been supportive in one way or another throughout this past year towards our foundation.
Our special gratitude goes out to GB -Texaco Group Company local manager Rosanna Grullon for their unflinching support to Peridot Foundation and its goals to bring awareness to eradicate violence against women and children. With their continued commitment we are able to decorate the Church-hill roundabout for many occasions, notably for the end of the year Holiday Season with our Happy Holiday, Happy New Year messages”.
“Without doubt our Foundation’s work- mission at the roundabout could not have been complete were it not for the kind and generous support provided once more by the Representation of the Netherlands in Sint Maarten or ‘Vertegenwoordiging van Nederland VNP’ Mr. Chris Johnson. We are extremely grateful to the Netherlands through its local representation in Philipsburg who over the years has been invaluable in its contributions in support of the objectives of Peridot Foundation”. “Hartelijk Dank!”
“Special mention goes out as well to respectively the ministries of ‘VROMI’ (public works-department) and Justice (police traffic-department) for granting permission each year to place the decorations.
Last but certainly not least we value the contributions made especially from the management of ACE hardware company, ELECTEC, Don Hughes, Dean Splatt, and Fernando Lopez Castillo for their dedication to get the work done. Thank you to past as well as future contributors. Your support gave us strength.”
“Peridot Foundation concludes: “ Let your hopes, not your hurts shape your future’ is a popular quote. We are guided by that notion. There is always hope for a better future. We look forward to continuing serving our country in the New Year 2021 with hope and determination in finding better ways to make our beautiful island safer and happier.
