PM: "This project is an example in the region in terms of planning and execution and I am sure that the whole community of both sides of our island will look forward to the official grand opening"
Upon the request of the Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams, The Harbor Group of Companies organized an information session regarding the Simpson Bay Causeway project. Present for the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies was the Supervisory Board of Directors Renald Williams, Humphrey Mezas and Jason Rogers; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo along with other members of management and staff and the contractor Volker Stevin Caribbean NV.
The Prime Minister was joined by the Prefet of St. Maarten M. Philippe Chopin in receiving a tour of the Simpson Bay Causeway by Harbor CEO Mr. Mark Mingo and support staff. The informational tour started with a presentation by Mr. Mingo regarding the state of affairs of the Causeway and the management of the Simpson Bay Lagoon. During the presentation the Prime Minister specifically asked CEO of the Harbor Group of companies Mark Mingo if there were any structural issues with the bridge as has been alleged in the media or any issues that would delay the opening of the bridge. Mr. Mingo stated that any large construction project goes through a period of settling and there are no issues with regards to the bridge. The Prime Minister thanked the clarification given by Mister Mingo, who stressed that there are continuous meetings with engineers and contractors and all of the stakeholders.
A walking tour of the bridge was given and the Prime Minister had the opportunity to open the swing bridge in the bridge operating room. Presentations were also given with regards to the environmental measures taken during and after the building of the causeway and the environmental management of the Simpson Bay Lagoon.
The Prime Minister stated that St. Maarten, both sides of the island, should be proud to be able to have a successfully completed project of this size and thank the Harbor, SLAC and all stakeholders for bringing the project to a successful completion. "I would like to express my thanks at seeing the project being brought to a successful conclusion and the opening of the causeway to happen within very short. This project is an example in the region in terms of planning and execution and I am sure that the whole community of both sides of our island will look forward to the official grand opening," commented the Prime Minister.