Philipsburg:---State Secretary of Health, Mr. Patrick Illidge and his Executive Assistant, Terry J. Peterson, made a courtesy visit to the St. Maarten Laboratory Services (SLS) on Monday, 7th September, 2009. Mr. Illidge met with the Managing Director of SLS, Drs. Ing. Hose S. M. Booi, Team Leader and Microbiologist Lab Technician, Ms. Lourdes M. Richardson, and Supervisor, Mrs. Wilma P. Vrutaal-Arrendell.
Drs. Hose Booi, used the opportunity to discuss various issues as they relate to the structure, expansion and functioning of SLS, since he assumed the directorship of the lab. The State Secretary expressed that he was very impressed with the improvements at SLS since the Council of Ministers approved the resolution guaranteeing the complete transfer of laboratory services to the Island Territory of St. Maarten in September 1, 2008. He noted that Drs. Hose Booi had come highly recommended by his predecessors, particularly former State Secretary of Health, Drs. Rodolphe Samuel, and that he was very pleased with the vision and foresight of the new director. He also commended the staff of SLS for bringing home quality, prompt and efficient service to the community, and hoped that other possible new labs in Sucker Garden and Cole-Bay can also complement those in Dutch Quarter and Betty’s Estate in the near future.
The State Secretary said that SLS must be better than just a mirror of ADC. He expressed his willingness to assist SLS wherever he can to seek possibilities and opportunities for water testing and pathology. He emphasized the importance of recruiting our students and training local St. Maarteners to take up new opportunities that will be available as the lab continues to expand and move into its new location in Cay Hill. Finally, Mr. Illidge promised to remain in close contact with SLS and to follow-up on its progress.
