PHILIPSBURG:--- The National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) has formally terminated the contracts for the repair of school gyms and sports facilities under the Emergency Recovery Project 1 (ERP1).
This decision follows extended efforts to support the contractor in mobilizing and initiating the works. Although the contractor took possession of the sites, physical activities did not commence within the required timeframe for the project. With ERP1 entering its final implementation phase, the NRPB, with the full support of the Government of Sint Maarten, decided to proceed with contract closure to avoid further delays and safeguard the project's goals by focusing on alternative implementation options.
All affected school boards have been notified, and every effort is being made to manage the transition with minimal disruption, ensuring that the necessary repairs can still be completed.
“We understand that the communities and schools affected by this decision have been waiting patiently for these much-needed upgrades,” said Claret Connor, Director of the NRPB. “While this outcome is not what we had hoped for or were working diligently towards, this gives us the opportunity to reposition the project for success. We remain committed to delivering these improvements and will communicate the next steps as soon as they are confirmed.”
The NRPB is actively pursuing alternative arrangements to continue the works. In close coordination with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (MECYS), and the World Bank, discussions are ongoing to determine the best way forward, with planning efforts already underway to identify the new path.
