PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Tourism Authority (STA) is now firmly on the move. With the presentation of two donations of US$ 5000 each by the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association and the St. Maarten Timeshare Association, the STA has now been funded with an initial amount of US$ 20,000 for it to begin operations. Previously the Harbor Group of Companies and the Princess Juliana Airport had made their matching donations of US$ 5,000 each.
The four entities with representation on the STA Supervisory Council, responded to a request from Minister Irania Ingrid Arrindell to provide seed money to cover some initial startup expenses and help to get the ball rolling on the STA.
Minister Arrindell is also pleased with the progress that is being made in terms of the hiring of the Interim Director of the STA. Applications have been received, and interviews for the position will begin during the first week of July. Additionally, an Service Level Agreement (SLA) between the STA and Government is being prepared, which would see the transfer of certain budgeted amounts, such as the marketing funds, transferred to the STA.
Chairman of the STA, Mr. Keith Graham, stated: "With the firm support of both government and the private sector, I am truly optimistic that we are now firmly on the path toward producing better results that will help to get our economy growing again."
Pictured left to right; PJIA SC representative Suzy Kartokromo, SMTA Chairman Marcel Javois, STA Chairman, Keith Graham, SHTA President, Lorraine Talmi, Harbour Group's SC representative, Roger Lawrence
