DUTCH QUARTER:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams attended the opening of the brand new McDonalds at Dutch Quarter on Friday. The ceremony featured members of the Council of Ministers, invited guests and various dignitaries from both sides of the island.
The Prime Minister stated at the opening that she was happy to be at the opening of a new franchise for the fast food chain on St. Maarten, adding value to the districts of Dutch Quarter, Belvedere and surrounding areas: "I want to congratulate the principles of McDonalds on this significant opening and the meaning this has for this district. Not only is the opening of McDonalds important related t the service that will be provided to residents but in terms of employment this also has significant impact, employing young residents of these districts.
The McDonald's Corporation is the world's largest chain of hamburger fast food restaurants, serving around 68 million customers daily in 119 countries. A McDonald's restaurant is operated by a franchisee, an affiliate, or the corporation itself. The corporation's revenues come from the rent, royalties and fees paid by the franchisees, as well as sales in company-operated restaurants. McDonald's revenues grew 27 percent over the three years ending in 2007 to $22.8 billion, and 9 percent growth in operating income to $3.9 billion.
From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister
