PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake on Wednesday met with representatives from the country's newly formed Down Street Business/Community Association.
The organization area of focus within their community is from L'Escargot to the old Paper Garden.
The community council's spokesperson at the meeting was June Peters, Vice President who summarized the issues within the Down Street community. Peters was also supported by Wilfred Evertz (board member of Christmas activities), Greg Arrindell (PR), and Miguel de Weever (liaison government matters).
Peters spoke about the challenges being faced by businesses and homeowners in the area; settlement of water from different buildings/businesses; boulders in the alleys; cleaning of the alleys; tree stomps that pose challenges for pedestrians; palm tree grills/mats; safety and security challenges.
In the meeting also included representatives of the Minister's Cabinet and Ministry VROMI, Mark Mingo, Chief Executive Officer of the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies, Hector Peters, a representative from the Harbour Group.
"I am ready, and my Ministry is ready to address the issues and concerns of the Down Street community. Other issues that do not fall within the responsibility of my Ministry, I will bring these forward to my colleague Ministers such as Justice and Economic Affairs.
"I am very pleased to learn that the young people of Down Street have taken a serious interest in their community and have already assisted in a number of ways since the community council was started. It is great to hear that those on the bloc are onboard and ready and willing to work. I can understand their frustrations and I encourage them to always think positive, do positive and reach for the stars," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Thursday.
Port of St. Maarten CEO Mark Mingo during the meeting stated that Philipsburg and surrounding environs are all part of the harbor community, and that it is in the interests of the port and the destination as a premier cruise mecca to help the Down Street community become the cultural heartbeat of the nation.
The Minister is looking forward to the walkthrough on Tuesday afternoon, 10 December which would also include representatives from the Down Street council, Ministry of VROMI officials, Community Police Officer, among other stakeholders.
The Down Street community council has established six committees that will deal with fundraising, marketing, cleanup, decorations, social and transportation.