The St.Maarten Bureau held a conference to unveil the codes of conduct in connection with the environmental awareness signs on ”Protecting our Environment”.
Present during the unveiling were The Honourable Minister of Tourism, Mr. Franklin Meyers, Tourist Bureau Director Ms. Regina LaBega, Independent Project Manager, EPIC Mr. Rueben Thompson and Mr. Cedric Pas, Resort Manager of Divi Little Bay Beach.
A presentation of tokens of appreciation to the winner of the art competition for the codes of conduct signage also took place.
The following is the speech presented by Product Development Assistant of St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, Ms.Lisa Noel
Good afternoon Honourable Minister of Tourism, Mr. Franklin Meyers, Ms. Regina LaBega, Director of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, Mr. Rueben Thompson, Independent Project Manager of the Environmental Protection in the Caribbean known as (EPIC) Mr. Cedric Pas, Divi’s Little Bay Resort Manager, members of the press, ladies and gentlemen, children (if this is necessary), welcome to this auspicious occasion.
Honourable Minister of Tourism, Mr. Franklin Meyers, Ms. Regina LaBega, Director of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, Mr. Rueben Thompson, Independent Project Manager of the Environmental Protection in the Caribbean known as (EPIC) Mr. Cedric Pas, Divi’s Little Bay Resort Manager, members of the press, ladies and gentlemen, children (if this is necessary), welcome to this auspicious occasion.
Background Information
One of the many goals of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, is to ensure that the general public is well informed about taking proper care of the environment.
For we know, there can be no tourism without a healthy environment, we must seek to find the proper balance.
We must all take our responsibility for preserving our environment for future generations very seriously.
In our efforts, as a department we have included the local community and the tourists in our endeavors and have collaborated with other organisations such as EPIC to bring about greater awareness on preserving the environment.
We have undertaken activities such as the codes of conduct & Blue Flag Program which are geared towards heightening the awareness of the local community and the tourists on the importance of preserving and protecting our beaches and marinas. Hence, is the reason for us being here today.
Our beaches are one of the main reason amongst our visitors for selecting the destination. That’s why sustainability is vital for the survival of our tourism product.
Thanks again for being here.
Introducing the Minister of Tourism
(Due to unforseen circumstances, the Minister of Tourism was not able to attend, so Mrs. Romou spoke on his behalf)
At this time, I have the distinct honour of introducing our first speaker for this occasion, the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Mr. Franklin Meyers.
Ladies and gentlemen, please join me as we warmly welcome to the podium, the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Mr. Franklin Meyers.
Next Speaker: Regina LaBega
I would like welcome, Ms. Regina LaBega Director of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau.
Ladies and gentlemen, please join me as we welcome Ms. Regina LaBega.
Next speaker: Rueben
Our next speaker for this afternoon is someone who we know as our environmentalist, when we contacted him about this project, coincidently he was working on the Blue Flag program for our beaches and marinas.
He readily agreed to work along with us and he gave the project his full support.
He is, the Independent Project Manager of the Environmental Protection in the Caribbean known as (EPIC).
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome,
Mr. Reuben Thompson.
Next speaker: Mr. Cedric Pas, Divi’s Manager
We recognise that we have to collaborate with several entities in order to have successful outcomes with our projects, the codes of conduct.
The Divi Little Bay Resort was selected as the first phase of the pilot project in order to test the effectiveness and the efficiency of the program among the beach users.
And to say a few words to us, is the Manager of Divi Little Bay Resort, Mr. Cedric Pas.
Unveiling of the large sign
And now for the moment, we all have been waiting for. We present to you the codes of conduct and Blue Flag Program Sign for Divi Little Bay Resort.
Unveiling of the small sign
In an effort to get the involvement of the wider community, an art competition was organised by EPIC for all secondary schools.
Students were asked to submit a drawing of a Pelican sitting on a natural object with its beak open, so that it seems as if it is speaking.
(Present the small sign to the audience)
Gift Presentation to the winner of the art Competition
The Windmill Jewelry store on Front Street provided us with a gift for the winner of the art competition
I would like to call on Pravina Daryanani from the Learning Unlimited Preparatory School to collect her gift.
Vote of thanks
On behalf of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau we would hereby like to extend our appreciation to:
· The Honourable Minister M. Franklin Meyers
· Ms. Regina LaBega & my colleges at the Tourism Dept.
· Divi Little Bay Resort
· EPIC
· The Art winner: Student Pravina Daryanani and Principal Sue Denis of Learning Unlimited Preparatory School
· Windmill Jewelry store
· The Press
for making this event a success.