Philipsburg:--- The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA) and the Victorious Living Foundation (VLF) signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday August 16 at the SHTA office in Philipsburg. In the agreement the SHTA committed to an Annual contribution of $10,000 towards the programs and projects executed by the VLF geared primarily towards rebuilding the community and redirecting misguided youth. Funds will be released over a period of one year and pending approval of submitted program/ project proposals.Both parties have expressed similar interests in the following areas and as such the SHTA thought it necessary to provide structured support: (1) Employee education & training (2) Increase of the standard of living on the island of St. Maarten and poverty alleviation (3) Creating stronger family units (4) Empowerment of the youth and redirection of misguided youth.
Aside from the annual financial contribution, the SHTA agreed to endorse and promote the trainings offered by the VLF to its members, assist with hotel accommodations of program facilitators when necessary and assist with printing of materials for trainings or programs.
"One of my duties as Director is to outline a Vision for the SHTA. As part of that vision, I emphasized the need to reconnect with the community. Rather than granting ad hoc sponsorship requests, I felt it was more important and impactful to partner with an organization whose programs are in line with our Vision for St. Maarten. VLF Director and Visionary Erna Mae Francis is a tremendous role model in this community and unfortunately her work with the youth is not recognized nearly as much as it should be. I believe that rather than complaining about crime, the direction of our youth and other social ills, we - the business community- should be more proactive and support organizations that are trying to make a difference. VLF offers training programs for personal and professional development, mentorship & counseling, after school activities and a youth entrepreneurship course amongst other things. Just last year, VLF organized a Wealth creation series, in which it brought down self made millionaires to the island to lecture and inspire the youth. I expect much more from this organization in the years to come and am therefore ecstatic about this partnership. I also encourage the rest of the business community to follow suit and support these invaluable organizations within our community," said Valya Pantophlet- Executive Director SHTA.
This contribution could not have been possible without the SHTA's Dollar-A-Day fund. SHTA's Dollar-A-Day program was established in 2005 and has funded, among others: clean-up campaigns, the Caribcert programs, Dollar-A-Day scholarships, Guest Excellence Training program for employees in the Hospitality sector and donations to various youth organizations on the island. SHTA is grateful to its hotel members who have continuously supported and contributed to the program over the years. These include: Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort, Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, Oyster Bay Beach Resort, La Vista Resort, Turquoise Shell Inn, L'Esperance Hotel, Royal Islander Club and Princess Heights.
Ms. Francis expressed her gratitude to Ms. Pantophlet, SHTA, as well as Pantophlet's predecessor Robert Dubourcq who has supported the organization in the past. She also appeals to all persons in the community who desire to make a difference to attend their mentorship symposium at The Great Bay Sonesta Hotel on August 25-26 and at the Melford Hazel Sports Auditorium on August 27th. "This is an essential step for every sector of our community to be mobilized to reduce the wave of violent crimes and juvenile delinquency among our youth." She believes that together we all can make a difference and transform our challenged community. For more information about the Mentorship Symposium persons may drop by SHTA's office, the Department of Youth Affairs, or contact Victorious Living Foundation at 158 B. Back Street, Philipsburg.
For more info on the SHTA and its Dollar-A-Day program, go to www.shta.com.
