St. Maarten

Transformations

An exhibit about perceptions of ‘Semper Pro Grediens’

by Dr. Jay Haviser

2009

St. Maarten

Transformations

An exhibit about perceptions of ‘Semper Pro Grediens’

by Dr. Jay Haviser

As we look to the past we perceive a simpler world of life BEFORE, often thought

of with nostalgic emotions. When we look to the present, we perceive it with

comparative depth as life AFTER. Each perception is colored by its own

distinctive positive and negative aspects. In the mid-20th century St. Maarten

people emerged from generations of poverty with a proud and self-confident

understanding that moving forward in growth was good, and with that drive they

truly excelled. With the 21st century the time has come to grasp that growth is

still good but it must be sustainable, and in this new era that proud and self-

confident spirit of St. Maarten will live on! Herein, see how views of St. Maarten

through time bring forth nostalgia within the dynamics of ‘Semper Pro Grediens’;

always progressing.

St. Maarten Airport 1949 and 2007

Thanks are given to Rob and José Versheuren for their personal photographs, the St.

Maarten Museum and De Nederlandse Antillen Een fotoreportage van land en volk by

Willem van de Poll (1950), from which photographs were used, others are by the author.

Jay Haviser © 2009

Great Cul-de-Sac Valley, ca. 1960’s

Great Cul-de-Sac Valley, 2009

Philipsburg, view to east, ca. 1960’s

Philipsburg, view to east, 2009

Philipsburg, view from Sentry Hill, ca. 1968

Philipsburg, view from Sentry Hill, 2008

Philipsburg, Great Bay side looking east, ca. 1949

Philipsburg, Great Bay side looking east, 2008

Some of the losses in Philipsburg over the decades have been the greenery of

large trees, the cleanliness of the waters, and a personal social atmosphere. The

oldest trees are the oldest permanent residents of St. Maarten, and represent one

significant link between our Cultural and Natural heritage, with the St. Maarten

National Day of Trees we are striving to replant trees on the island.

Courthouse, Frontstreet, ca. 1949

Courthouse, Frontstreet, 2008

Transformation of social gathering places for purely economic needs was one

BEFORE way of forward growth that now needs alternatives. Giving renewed

Values to our cultural and natural heritage, is an important contribution to the

new era for St. Maarten’s future.

Fort Amsterdam, view from Fort Hill, ca. 1960’s

Fort Amsterdam, view from Fort Hill, 2009

Great salt pans from Guana Bay hill, ca. 1968

Great salt pans from Guana Bay hill, 2009

Simpson Bay Lagoon, with new Lejuez Bridge, ca. 1970

Simpson Bay Lagoon, from Billy Folly hill, 2009

Princess Juliana Airport, view to west, ca. 1960’s

Princess Juliana Airport, view to west, 2007

The current development towards a Future where nature is the rarity and cement

is the norm, does have viable alternatives. St. Maarten will live on! And her

People will live on! That Future will be founded on our diverse roots of Cultural

and GREEN Heritage which must become the basis of future development plans.

Cole Bay, view to west, ca. 1949

Cole Bay, view to the west, 2008

The long-term future of St. Maarten cannot simply be concrete rubble left as

remains of a decaying culture, We will live on! Rebuilding in a strategic and

sustainable way, always moving forward in growth.

‘Semper Pro Grediens’

Always progressing