Heyliger-Marten asks businesses to decorate for St. Martin Day and Christmas

TEATT Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten on Wednesday 28 October asked businesses on the Dutch side to decorate their establishments, display island colours and help create a holiday atmosphere for St. Martin Day and Christmas. She made the appeal during the Council of Ministers' weekly briefing.

Heyliger-Marten said the main St. Martin Day celebrations on 11 November will take place on the French side this year. She said businesses and communities on the Dutch side should still show pride in the island and take part in marking the occasion.

The minister said government will also contribute to the holiday atmosphere, but its efforts are limited by available finances. She did not announce specific decoration plans or budget allocations.

During the briefing, Heyliger-Marten also asked Halloween participants to celebrate safely. She urged people to avoid costumes, masks or pranks that could be mistaken for a threat, asked parents and guardians to supervise children, and called on motorists to be careful where people are walking or gathering. She also advised people planning to drink alcohol to arrange safe transport home.