Willem Barendsen retires
CUPECOY--Former Lt. Governor of St. Maarten Franklyn Richards and international businessman Herman Behr of Curaçao have been appointed the new managing directors of Air-Fin.
John Curtis, president of the Florida-based Seven Seas Water Corporation, made the announcement and confirmed that Air-Fin's Managing Director Willem Barendsen has decided to retire. Curtis recognized "the long tenure of Willem Barendsen as a key person in St. Maarten's water supply," and acknowledged his leadership of Air-Fin from 2007 to 2010.
Curtis, on behalf of Seven Seas Water, expressed heartfelt gratitude for Barendsen's services and commitment over the years and wished him well, as he is now back in Europe to be closer to his family, especially his children and grandchildren.
He said, "While Willem has been a valuable contributor to the development of Seven Seas Water, we now look forward to the leadership and experience of Franklyn Richards, who will continue the successful development of Air-Fin/Seven Seas Water operations in St. Maarten."
Richards said he aimed to bring his vast networking capabilities and management skills to Air-Fin to the benefit of the people of St. Maarten. He said he was looking forward to a good relationship with GEBE. Although he understands that there is "some mending" that has to happen with GEBE, he's confident he is the person for that task. Richards said he hoped to work closely with Infrastructure Minister Theo Heyliger.
"The company is enthusiastic and very grateful that a man of such distinguished background in public service has decided to join Air-Fin St. Maarten as our managing director," added Doug Brown, CEO of Seven Seas Water Corporation.
"We look forward to many more years of effectively meeting the water needs of St. Maarten under the guidance of Franklyn Richards," he said.
Richards is also a member of the Council for the Maintenance of Law and Order (Raad voor Rechtshandhaving). He said there would be no conflict or complications between his two positions.
The Council for the Maintenance of Law and Order is an inter-country organ of Curaçao, St. Maarten, and the Netherlands. It will be charged with the general inspection on the effectiveness and quality of the execution and management of the various services and institutions that are part of the judicial chain in Curaçao, St. Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, as well as the cooperation in the judicial area between the countries and special municipalities.
Specific tasks of the Council include: police, training of police, the Prosecutor's Office, penitentiary institutions, rehabilitation services, and aid to victims. Members of the Council must have sufficient expertise and experience in the judicial field and will receive a "fitting" compensation for their work," stated the explanatory note that accompanied the law.
