PRESS STATEMENT
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the people of our country, the Supervisory Board of the Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company Supervisory and Holding Boards, as well as the Management under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Regina Labega for the successful conclusion of a over US$130 million bond for the gateway into the country.
I can recall during the process to appoint Ms. Labega to the CEO position of our airport, in one of the advices it was stated that Ms. Labega was weak in the financial area, but her negotiation skills in getting a lower interests bond for this company demonstrates that she has what it takes to run this company.
This is a significant development once again for our country, and I am proud to have been part of the process under the United People’s (UP) led Government.
Investors have so much confidence in our country and in particular the airport, that the bonds were over-subscribed almost immediately.
Employees of the Princess Juliana International Airport are also to be congratulated along with all others who render services to our visitors, such as Immigration officers, Customs and Police. Everybody has a role to play, and they do that to the best of their ability on a daily basis. The vendors must also be commended for their contribution as well.
The board of the airport played a very important role by carrying out the necessary due diligence.
The loan will mean that the investments that are necessary to keep our country at the forefront will be made, but at the same time, maintaining the highest safety and professional service standards at our gateway to the country will continue as well.
Another significant development was when Moody’s Investors Rating Agency classified the airport as Baa2. It was also the UP led Government that initiated the Moody’s rating for the country.
Congratulations to all the aforementioned, and keep up the great work that you are doing for the country and our visitors.
Theo Heyliger
Leader of the United People’s (UP) Party