Sayless Sis Hosts Picnic for St. Martiners in the Netherlands

Dozens of young St. Martiners in the Netherlands gathered for a picnic hosted by Sayless Sis, “a platform that advocates for fellow Soualigans.” Sayless Sis was founded by Shanica Romney and Lisa Adams initially as a podcast until it became a hub for St. Martiners across the globe. The picnic for the St. Martiners was motivated by the experience of Romney and friends who began having picnics in the park during the summer. Romney realized how good it felt to physically socialize and the inspiration to host one for the St. Maarten community materialized.

Romney mentioned there are not many occasions in the Netherlands that allow St.Martiners to get together and network. With the picnic, Sayless Sis’ intended to create a space where persons can talk and network outside their private circles, “but most importantly just be themselves.” “It's not every day you get to attend an event and not have to think about how your mannerisms will be perceived or having to code-switch just to be understood.”

Roughly 75 persons came out and food and beverages were provided by various attendees. Persons had the opportunity to add their playlist to the music being played and engaged in ice breakers. Other activities included answering questions or discussing St. Maarten related topics. A photo area was created by Charlotte Iltes where people took pictures with S’Maatin Slang props. Iltes also did the decor for the picnic.

Iltes described her vision for the creation direction as "an opportunity to remind our people just how beautiful they are.”

Sayless Sis’ created the viral S’Maatin Slang which are weekly posts of the definitions of St. Martin sayings and followers also share memories of using the word. Romney added that they intend to host more events; granting covid related measures are easier to deal with. Many people also expressed curiosity for the next get together.

Sayless Sis evolved from a podcast to a platform “highlight our St. Martin slang, the old and the new, as well as highlighting St. Martiners who are positively impacting our community. We do so through different online series, as well as hosting events, where we get our community involved in discussing taboo topics.”