The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams was briefed on Wednesday, August 29, 2012, by the Commanding Officer of the Marine Barracks Savaneta located in Aruba Brigadier Edwin Hofma about future plans to establish a permanent marine facility on St. Maarten.
Brigadier Hofma, who is also the Chairman of the Workgroup for the future establishment of a Marine Base on the island, explained the progress being undertaken thus far. Once established, the marine base will provide military assistance, logistical assistance to the VKS and to the community in general. Also discussed was a social formation program similar to that on Aruba especially for the at-risk youth on St. Maarten. The Marines stationed in Aruba conduct an active program for at-risk youth where Marines stationed there give them discipline training and other aspects of military techniques.
The Prime Minister was very pleased to hear about the prospects for a base on St. Maarten as well as the plans Brigadier Hofma outlined for the community in general. The marine base, which is expected to be finalized in 2013, will be further discussed during the visit by Kingdom Minister of Defense Mr. Hans Hillen next week.