COLE BAY:--- As a long-standing corporate citizen, Motorworld Group stands with the community of St. Maarten/ St. Martin, and the world, during these trying times in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our commitment to the community has remained steadfast through the highs and lows of life. Therefore, Motorworld has gone above and beyond to purchase these masks and give them away free of charge to these major organizations that are working on the frontlines in order to protect their workers, our ‘Frontline Heroes’, and also, the community that they serve. We are truly glad that we could help alleviate the burden caused by mask shortages and increased costs of personal protective equipment island-wide, while also helping to protect against the life-threatening spread against COVID-19," shares Tariq Amjad, Managing Director, Motorworld Group of Companies.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), face masks are a vital form of personal protective equipment that has been proven to serve as essential barrier against the spread of the coronavirus. With the health, safety, and protection of all residents, particularly our frontline workers at heart, Motorworld Group has donated over 15,500 masks to approximately 30 organizations that are working diligently to keep the community safe.
This includes the following key entities, throughout both the Dutch and French parts of St. Martin, that are on the frontlines battling the coronavirus:
- Government of St. Maarten – Ministry of Justice
- Collectivity of St. Martin
- Louis Constant Fleming Hospital
- Maarten Medical Center
- SLS – St. Maarten Laboratory Services
- White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation
- Bethany Home
- More than 20 Dutch and French Pharmacies
All recipients expressed heartfelt appreciation and sincere gratitude for this thoughtful contribution which was presented along with a “Thank You” letter from Motorworld as a token of appreciation for their sacrifices, courage and hard work to keep the community safe.
St. Maarten Government’s Minister of Justice Anna Richardson, expressed the following:
“During this very trying time, wearing masks is our new normal. Having corporations within our community such as Motorworld considering ways on how they can assist the staff of the Justice chain, especially those on the front line and at our prison, is highly appreciated by our Ministry of Justice and the staff alike. Due to the high usage of masks on a daily basis by Police, Customs, Prison Guards, Coast Guards, and other members of staff, receiving such a donation is highly valued, and thus, we say THANK YOU to the management and staff of Motorworld for thinking of us.”
This effort also extended to the Northern, French side of the island, with contributions made to the Collectivity of St. Martin, the hospital, several pharmacies and Bethany Home for the senior citizens.
Vice President of the Collectivity of St. Martin, Valerie Damaseau shared the following:
"During these difficult and challenging times, our only hope is that we remain strong, focused, and united as we tackle it all together. All gestures of solidarity are steps closer to overcoming this fight. Thank you very much for your donation. We will share this with our district councils who will help distribute to the population. For this we say thank you."
The Centre Hospitalier Louis Constant Fleming in Saint Martin has been active on the frontlines in the plight against COVID-19 and shared the following heartfelt sentiments to Motorworld:
“On behalf of the Centre Hospitalier Louis Constant Fleming in Saint Martin, I would like to thank you for your generous donation of protective face masks, delivered last week to our medical and paramedical teams. Your support makes a difference and contributes to help our teams fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in a more secure and protected condition. These 3,000 masks received will directly be used in an emergency, medicine, pediatric, and maternity department and ultimately, add major benefits to help us take care of more patients at the hospital. Thank you again for your support. We appreciate your interest and commitment to help the Centre Hospitalier Louis Constant Fleming hospital,” Mrs. Marie-Antoinette LAMPIS, General Hospital Director.
The Sint Maarten Medical Center, as well as the White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation, also expressed genuine gratitude in person, as well as on their social media pages for Motorworld’s contribution, which will be used in the care of the numerous patients and clients who receive their dedicated medical and care services.
Based on the guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), for maximum effectiveness, there are simple steps to follow on “when” and “how” to wear masks to protect against the coronavirus. If you wear a mask, please be sure to follow those guidelines on how to use and dispose of single-use face masks properly. Wear a mask as often as possible for your protection, particularly if you are coughing, sneezing, or taking care of someone with COVID-19.
Motorworld Group will be distributing additional personal protective equipment, including face masks to additional organizations in the coming weeks, as well as to staff and customers once the dealerships reopen.
Additionally, Motorworld Group has launched a Frontline Heroes Facebook campaign to recognize and reward frontline workers who are going above and beyond the call of duty in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. Please visit the Motorworld St. Maarten/ St. Martin Facebook page for further details on how to participate in the campaign.
With the community working together to stay safe, using proper hygiene with personal protective equipment, frequent hand-washing, practicing social distancing, and following the Government mandates to stay safe at home, we shall overcome these trying times.
