PRESS STATEMENT
I was pleased to have learnt that the staff members of the Meteorological Department St. Maarten (MDS) as of January 1, 2013, have taken over meteorological services and the issuing of weather forecasts.
I was Minister at the time who signed the service level agreement with Curacao for continuation of services until we were able to build up our own human resources. This is a very important moment for the country as the MDS provides very important services to the aviation and boating sectors, as well as our brothers and sisters such as St. Eustatius and Saba, and the St. Maarten community overall.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the management and staff of MDS, and wish them much success throughout 2013. I am very proud of them and with what they have been able to achieve in order for us to be able to run our own met office.
I would also like to take this opportunity to wish the people of our country a Happy New Year. I call on our community to focus on what we can achieve together in 2013. Our country has achieved significantly in many areas over the past 40 years. There is still much to be done, and together we can achieve those objectives by working together.
To all St. Maarteners, at home and abroad, on behalf of my family, and the UP party family, we wish you a healthy year and abundant success.
Former United Peoples (UP) party Minister responsible for Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications Franklin Meyers
United Peoples (UP) Party
Philipsburg, Sint Maarten