Simpson Bay:--- Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) recently concluded its highly anticipated Employee Engagement Month, a dedicated time to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of its employees. Throughout June, PJIAE organized a series of exciting events designed to foster team spirit, reward dedication, and highlight individual achievements within the company.

A Month of Celebration and Appreciation
The month-long celebration kicked off on June 7 with "Food Truck Friday." Employees were treated to a variety of mouth-watering dishes from The Captain’s Rib Shack, which set up shop at the company premises. This event provided a perfect opportunity for employees to mingle, enjoy great food, and unwind.

On June 14, PJIAE held its much-anticipated Employee Pinning and Award Ceremony. This event honored employees celebrating significant work anniversaries and recognized the outstanding performances of the Employees of the Month from January to March 2024. The Managing Board was on hand to personally pin the honorees and celebrate their achievements.

- January: Mr. Hosea Hicks from Security Department
- February: Mrs. Lourine Whit-Hutchinson from the Security Department
- March: Ms. Aurline Peterson from the Statistics Department

The celebrations continued on June 21, 2024, with a Pizza Day, where employees had the choice of a delicious variety of pizzas. This event was another hit, promoting a relaxed atmosphere and strengthening the bonds among colleagues.

The grand finale of Employee Engagement Month was marked by a lively Happy Hour on June 28, 2024. The event featured a DJ, drinks, and snacks, offering employees a chance to let loose and celebrate their hard work and achievements. The evening was filled with music, dancing, and shared memories, encapsulating the spirit of camaraderie and appreciation.

Building a Stronger Community
PJIAE’s Employee Engagement Month was more than just a series of events; it was a testament to the company’s commitment to valuing and appreciating its employees. The initiative aimed to enhance job satisfaction, build stronger team relationships, and create a positive work environment.

“We believe that our employees are the heart of PJIAE’s success,” said Brian Mingo, Chief Executive Officer at PJIAE. “Employee Engagement Month is our way of showing gratitude for their hard work, dedication, and the significant contributions they make every day. The events we organized were not just about having fun but also about recognizing and celebrating our team’s achievements and fostering a sense of community.”

Looking Forward
As PJIAE looks to the future, the company plans to continue its focus on employee engagement and appreciation. The success of this year’s Employee Engagement Month has set a precedent for future initiatives aimed at promoting a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

“We are committed to making PJIAE an even better place to work,” added HR Advisor Mrs. Bermyle Davis. “We will keep listening to our employees, valuing their feedback, and creating more opportunities for them to feel appreciated and connected.”

PJIAE extends its heartfelt thanks to all employees for their enthusiastic participation and to the HR Department and Communications Team for their efforts in organizing these memorable events.

About Princess Juliana International Airport

Princess Juliana International Airport is the second busiest airport in the Northeast Caribbean and serves as a vital airport hub for Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Barthelemy, Anguilla, Dominica, Nevis, and Tortola. The airport stands as one of the largest employers on the island, with 315 workers employed directly and a total of 1700 workers within the entire airport community. In 2024, Sint Maarten Airport expects to handle 1.5 million passengers and 54,000 aircraft movements. Reconstruction efforts at the airport commenced in September 2021, with the new terminal hall scheduled for completion in Q4 2024.

PHILIPSBURG:---The Honorable Omar E.C. Ottley, Member of Parliament and Leader of the United People's Party, has called for immediate and transparent information from the Sint Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF). This demand arises from numerous complaints by residents regarding the deplorable conditions of some homes and the opaque nature of the foundation's operations.
"Enough is enough," declared MP Ottley. "The people of Sint Maarten deserve to know what is happening with their homes. The current state of affairs is unacceptable."
Residents in areas managed by the SMHDF, such as Belvedere, have long struggled with severe maintenance neglect and uncertainty about homeownership. Reports of homes with peeling paint, falling doors, leaking roofs, and dysfunctional plumbing and electrical systems have surfaced. These conditions have raised serious questions about the foundation's commitment to its tenants.
Adding to the urgency is the staggering waiting list for proper housing in Sint Maarten, with over 5,000 individuals and families in desperate need of accommodation. This crisis has worsened since Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. Despite the growing demand, the SMHDF has been notably silent about the availability of houses and the waiting list status. Many residents who have been promised homeownership after years of payment have yet to receive any confirmation.
"People are living in conditions that are not just uncomfortable but outright hazardous," said MP Ottley. "And on top of that, there's no clarity on when, or even if, they can own their homes. The lack of communication and transparency from the SMHDF is deeply troubling."
Residents have expressed frustration over the foundation's failure to provide essential information about existing homes or the criteria and timeline for homeownership. This lack of transparency is not merely a bureaucratic issue but a significant source of stress and dissatisfaction for those relying on the SMHDF for their housing needs.
MP Ottley's call for transparency is a beacon of hope for many who feel abandoned by the system. He urges the SMHDF to provide a clear and detailed update on housing availability, the status of the waiting list, and the steps to address the maintenance issues plaguing current properties.
"The people of Sint Maarten have endured enough hardship," MP Ottley stated firmly. "It is time for the SMHDF to step up and fulfill its responsibilities. The foundation must ensure that every tenant lives in a safe, well-maintained home and that those on the waiting list are given clear and honest information about their housing prospects."
MP Ottley's demand for transparency is a call for information and a plea for accountability and compassion from the Sint Maarten Housing Development Foundation. "The residents of Sint Maarten are watching and waiting, hopeful that this demand will lead to the changes they desperately need and deserve. Their hope for change is palpable, and it is up to the SMHDF to fulfill it," said MP Ottley.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Justice reached a significant milestone, as the Minister of Justice, Lyndon C. J. Lewis, was presented with the draft legislation for the Crime Fund. This development marks a crucial step towards modernizing and improving the management, supervision, and accountability of the Crime Fund, an area identified as lacking in the current outdated legislation. This initiative is also part of the broader country package measure aimed at enhancing the Crime Fund's efficiency and oversight.
The draft legislation was prepared by a dedicated group of civil servants, who undertook this project as their final assignment to achieve certification as legislative lawyers, a program offered to them by the Caribbean Center for Legislation.
The Minister of Justice expressed profound gratitude to the civil servants for their hard work and dedication. "This draft legislation is a testament to the commitment and expertise of our civil servants. It is a crucial step forward in ensuring that our Crime Fund is managed with the highest standards of accountability and efficiency," stated the Minister.
In addition to acknowledging the efforts of the local civil servants, the Minister also congratulated their colleagues from Curaçao and Aruba, who collaborated on this important legislative project. "The joint effort and collaboration among our civil servants from different regions highlight the strength of our shared commitment to governance," the Minister added.
The new draft legislation focuses on establishing a more robust framework for the management and supervision of the Crime Fund. Key elements include introducing rigorous checks and balances to ensure transparent and responsible management of funds, setting up an independent Advisory Committee, and implementing contemporary management strategies to optimize the effectiveness of the Crime Fund in funding projects with the objective of preventing and combating crime.
This comprehensive approach aims to address the shortcomings of the existing legislation and ensure that the Crime Fund serves its intended purpose more effectively.
The Minister of Justice emphasized the importance of this legislative advancement in strengthening the justice system and supporting the community. The next steps will involve further consultations and refinements before the draft is presented to the legislature for approval.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Honorable Minister of Justice and Minister of Education, Youth, Culture, and Sport has issued a statement addressing the recent increase in gun violence on the island. This follows a series of troubling incidents that have raised concerns within the community.

"The KPSM has begun their investigation into the recent surge in gun violence," said Minister Lewis. "To the victims, I offer my strength and prayers to you and your family, and I wish you a speedy recovery. In some recent cases, others have succumbed to their injuries, and to their loved ones, I extend my deepest sympathies during this time of grief."

Minister Lewis acknowledged the distress and concern these events have caused among the residents of Sint Maarten and emphasized the importance of community safety. "As your Minister, I continue to make the safety and security of our community my top priority. Sint Maarten has always prided itself on being a safe community for all. It is my duty to ensure that safety continues for our children and our children's children."

In a direct message to those involved in the violence, Minister Lewis urged, "As Minister of Justice, I condemn gun violence. You are not only destroying your life but also the lives of others, our community, and the bread and butter of our economy—our tourism industry. I urge you to think before you act, as you will face prosecution to the full extent of the law."

Minister Lewis also addressed the broader community, acknowledging the need for swift action and the ongoing efforts to bring those responsible to justice. "We understand the urgency and the need for swift action. The relevant bodies are continuing their investigation to bring those involved to justice. However, while we pursue justice, we must also remember the values that define us. Let us not be consumed by hatred or fear. Instead, let us find strength in our unity and compassion."

In conclusion, Minister Lewis called for community vigilance and support for law enforcement. "I call upon each one of you to remain vigilant and to support our law enforcement agencies in their investigation. Justice will be served. We will not rest until those responsible are held accountable. And together, we will heal and move forward."