PHILIPSBURG:--- The Algemeen Pensioenfonds Sint Maarten (APS) has been following the guidelines set by the Sint Maarten government to ensure the safety of residents and visitors as it pertains to the developing COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, APS would like to give our stakeholders and participants an update on its taken health & safety measures assisting combatting the coranavirus. At APS, our business is to think ahead, and with the ongoing crisis, we would like you to know that your pension benefits are secured, now and in the future.
Pension payments: on time is our promise
- March payments are prepared and can be expected on time by March 20th.
- Pension payments is one of the critical processes; several contingencies are in place to ensure that we will not fail on our promise to deliver timely pension payments.
APS office closed for public until Monday April 6: keeping you and our employees safe
- Increased hygiene measures have been enforced at our offices to secure a safe environment for our employees; read about our hygiene measures here.
- Our services will be available to you via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. orFacebook.
Investments:
- The corona virus (COVID-19) is a temporary phenomenon, as all the other “pandemics” that proceeded it. It would be irresponsible for any pension fund to adjust their long-term asset allocations based on a temporary event.
- The local APS portfolio constitutes of 90% fixed income and 10% real estate/development projects. The local investments are not marked to the market and have not experienced negative effects of the international market volatility.
- The APS has taken a long-term view on the pension fund investment portfolio that looks forward 20-30 years from today. Ensuring that the portfolio remains within the margins of its strategic asset allocations is the best measure to safeguard long-term stability of the fund. As such, the APS is able to assume prudent risks to enhance the growth of the international investment portfolio on the long term.
The COVID-19 pandemic urges us all to work together to limit the impact in our community. We must all be responsible and adhere to the prevention measures and guidelines identified by our local government to keep us safe.
Practice social distancing as much as possible. Be mindful of the vulnerable groups that are at risk and may need additional care and monitoring. Remain consistent with hygiene practices such as washing your hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds. When soap and water is not available, use a hands sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. If you feel sick, stay at home and call your family doctor for medical advice. Last, but not least, stay informed about the developments surrounding COVID-19 via credible news sources and our local government. Only together, we will weather this storm.
