Welcome to Speakers' Corner!
Speakers' Corner is a designated free speech zone within Hong Lim Park, a mere stone's throw from the hiding spot of this cache. Officially designated in 2000, it remains the only place in Singapore where Singaporeans may carry out peaceful demonstrations, or engage in politically-charged public speeches and debate. It is also frequently used as a venue for public exhibitions and performances, particularly when the topic or subject at hand is sensitive or controversial, or otherwise involves mass public assembly.
The Speakers' Corner at Hong Lim Park is a Singaporean adaptation of a public speaking area of the same name, located at Hyde Park in London: the first and perhaps the most widely known around the world. Speakers' Corners have also been established in large cities in a number of other countries to serve a similar purpose.
Speakers' Corner, Hyde Park, London, UK
In the 90s and before, the Singapore government was apprehensive about shifting their stance on public speech, assembly and demonstration, as they were concerned about the risk of public disorder that the country was no stranger to in her formative years. In those days, if one intended to give a public speech, permission in the form of a Public Entertainment Licence was necessary. It was only after suggestions by an esteemed political scientist, a rather prominent opposition politician, and reminders of each Singaporean's constitutional rights to free speech and assembly, that Speakers' Corner at Hong Lim Park was finally established in September 2000. Hong Lim Park was a natural choice not only for its central location, but also its roots as a popular venue for political rallies in the preceding decades.
The newly-established Speakers' Corner was a far cry from what it is today. In its first few years, it was open only from 7am to 7pm, and one had to obtain a permit from the nearby Kreta Ayer Neighbourhood Police Post in order to give public speeches. Restrictions were gradually relaxed to allow exhibitions and performances (2004), and later, demonstrations (2008). You could also begin registering online your intended use of the space. Since then, a number of notable outdoor rallies, demonstrations and events have been held at Speakers' Corner, from one-off protests against dolphin captivity, capital punishment and Lehman Brothers, to the annual Pink Dot SG. Notably, topics related to race and religion remain forbidden.
The Kreta Ayer Neighbourhood Police Post - then (left) and now (right)
Speak Now...
As for the cache title, well, the history is a lot more straightforward here. The phrase has its roots in European and Christian wedding ceremony custom. It was customarily said to the audience by the officiant of the ceremony, prior to asking the bride and groom their consent to the marriage.
The long form of the phrase is of course: "Should anyone present know of any reason that this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace."; presumably that if any of the witnesses present that day were privy to any imminently adulterous affairs or the like they would spill the beans then, or never. Anyway, moving along—
The Geocache
You are looking for a grey semi-camouflaged micro (or nano, depending on how you see it) placed just a stone's throw from Hong Lim Park and one of the entrances to Clarke Quay MRT station. It is hidden at a quiet corner away from the prying eyes of CCTV surveillance all around the park and the station (but not from regular muggle foot traffic, unfortunately!). While you aren't going to be seen as a security threat searching for a cache at the posted coordinates, you'll need to exercise some stealth in order to protect the hide from compromise. The cache is in a public area and accessible 24/7, although you will find foot traffic substantially lower at night, and on weekends. BYOP and please replace the cache exactly as found.
Enjoy your visit!