Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs Mellissa Arrindell Doncher on Wednesday said she was not only happy that the work on Backstreet, financed by the TEATT Ministry, would commence soon but also with the fact that some local young men would be employed during the execution of the project.
The upgrading of Back Street and the further beautification of Philipsburg is part of the Ministry’s continued efforts to further upgrade the tourism product in Philipsburg and to provide the people of St. Maarten with an experience in their capitol that they can be proud of and enjoy.
The upgrading will also benefit businesses along Backstreet that some people were avoiding simply because of the state of the road. The work will also be a welcome by bus drivers who have been calling for the state of the road to be addressed for quite some time.
“The benefits of upgrading Backstreet are obvious,” Minister Arrindell-Doncher said. “But what is often overlooked is the importance of including local young men in these projects for St. Maarten. Not only does it provide employment, but it instills a sense of pride when you give your people opportunities to work on great projects for their communities. I look forward to seeing this during the execution of the project,” she said.
With the active involvement of the Minister of VROMI Christopher Emmanuel and his Ministry, Minister Boasman added that the project is also a great example of cross-Ministry work in the benefit of the people of St. Maarten. The project is slated to get underway in about a month’s time.