Koop Avond will kick off on Thursday, June 21, and will continue for a six-week period until July 26. This is an initiative of entrepreneur Bertaux ‘Mr. Rude’ Fleming of Xtratight Entertainment.
There will be food, live entertainment, shopping and local craft stalls on display every Thursday for a six-week period from 5.00pm to 10.00pm.
Acting Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Cornelius de Weever, commends the initiator and partners involved and supporting the shopping evening.
“We have to be innovative in these challenging times. Every little or great initiative that can generate economic activity for micro and small-medium sized businesses, is a good thing especially in the capital Philipsburg, the shopping mecca of the Caribbean.
“Just recently the Philipsburg Promotional Board organized the ‘Philipsburg Alive Block Party’ that took place at Pastorie Steeg. It was very well attended, and I am looking forward to the same support and turnout by the Sint Maarten community and visitors to the Koop Avond shopping evening every Thursday starting June 21.
“Everybody has to do their part to bring life back into Philipsburg and we are well on our way,” Minister Cornelius de Weever said on Tuesday.
The Koop Avond will take place on Front Street from Rouge et Noir to the St. Rose Arcade.
Shuttles have been arranged that would pick up tourists from various hotels around the island. Stores and restaurants according to the organizers will be offering specials during the Koop Avond.
A number of entities are involved in the Koop Avond, namely, the Department of Culture, St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Philipsburg Promotional Board, Downstreet Community Council among others.
