Profile
Profile
Making a Difference by Susan Campbell Though these individuals dislike the label “local hero”, their commitment and dedication to essential island projects leaves little other description! Here are the causes they care most passionately about… Elsje Bosch Guardian of History and Heritage
Born in the Netherlands and an educator since 1964, Elsje Bosch moved to St. Maarten in 1977 and fell so much in love with her new home that she became devoted to preserving its past. Her efforts toward safeguarding its history have since become legendary. She co-founded, and is now director of, the St. Maarten National Heritage Foundation and Museum, has authored countless papers on local history, and spearheaded many school programs
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including museum tours, lectures, workshops, and nature activities. Her work was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Island Vision in 2007, and in 2009, she was welcomed into the Knighthood in the Order of Oranje-Nassau for her outstanding contribution to the island’s cultural identity. Elsje says, “To know the past is to get to know yourself, your history and background, giving you a feeling of belonging and a sense of pride and therefore an incentive to protect it, to keep it alive... and to move forward.” Elsje and her hard-working volunteers welcome vi sitors to experience the St. Maarten Museum, part of the St. Maarten National Heritage Foundation. www.museumsintmaarten.org
Su Wathey Animal Welfare Advocate
A lifelong animal lover originally from Boston, Su Wathey is proud to carry on the legacy of her husband’s Aunt Dorothy, who helped found the St. Maarten Welfare Foundation in the 1980s. Today, Su is the president of this non-profit organization that relies totally on volunteers, and she strives to keep it well funded and running smoothly. The foundation’s foremost goal is to provide education about the responsibilities of pet care and to improve the general welfare of the island’s animals. Through programs like The Kind News (an annual newsletter for school children), videos, lesson plans, brochures, and community activities such as dog shows, the organization engages locals in enjoyable ways while promoting animal rights. Curbing overpopulation is a challenge; many unwanted animals still have no homes. Su says, “We encourage sterilization because it’s better to prevent reproduction than to destroy offspring, but we understand some pet owners are reticent because of cost. That’s why we’ve Photos by Alexandre Julien
sponsored over 7,000 sterilizations for residents of limited means.” The foundation also provides an Animal Ambulance Team for rescues and taxis pets to vets free of charge for those without transportation. Visitors can help by donating funds, food, or volunteering time. www.sxmanimalwelfare.org Nights 39