The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT) has commissioned two local clean-up crews to tackle certain cleanup issues in the general Philipsburg area. The initiative is in cooperation with the Ministry of VROMI.
Minister of TEATT Mellissa Arrindell-Doncher explained that several areas around the Philipsburg area is being addressed in preparation for the first cruise vessel arrival in December. She said the crew have been busy for some time already and will continue their work until the end of December.
They have already pruned many of the palm trees and other trees in Philipsburg, cleaned-up some unused and/or abandoned building that was filled with garbage, are busy repairing the Prins Bernard bridge with temporary fixes and more.
“We have been calling on businesses in the Philipsburg area to get prepared for the cruise vessels, so it behooves us to do our part as well. Government will be doing its utmost to get our capitol prepared to welcome our guests back to our shores,” the Minister said.
The Minister said cruise line executives have been on the island and have been briefed on ongoing recovery efforts.