Timeshare group commends
govt beautification projects
COLE BAY--Government’s beautification and upgrading projects, especially in Philipsburg, have earned the commendation of St. Maarten Timeshare Association (SMTA). Projects include the upgrading of Front and Back Streets and the new St. Maarten Festival Centre.
Association President Jules James said improving the island’s tourism product would go a long way in attracting more quality visitors to the island. “To get value out of marketing money spent abroad, we must make our island ready to receive visitors, just as we would our home before having guests over,” he said.
The association met with the Executive Council six years ago to discuss the challenges of improving the tourism product and occupancy figures. “Since then the association has recognised with satisfaction the areas that were targeted as part of the beautification vision for St. Maarten,” James said.
SMTA is pleased with the efforts of Economic Affairs and Tourism Commissioner Theo Heyliger, who spearheaded many of the beautification projects, and government for the major improvements. “The latest project, including the new roundabout with the commemoration to the salt pickers of our history, is slated to become a landmark.”
With Island Council elections at hand, SMTA calls on the winning party “to realise that the scope of work ahead is much, but together we all will be proud of the results.”
The association also calls on all St. Maarteners and residents make their homes and communities more beautiful as well.
Through donations from the timeshare tourists and its dollar-a-day programme, SMTA is funding a park for Belvedere. The association invites communities and individuals interested in beautifying their areas to submit projects for funding.
SMTA Project Coordinator Mara Bowman can be called at 522-0889.
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