Calls on other businesses to step up to the plate
Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake applauds the most recent initiative of the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Mark Mingo in the placement of two solar-powered lights at the Police Dock in Simpson Bay.
The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority that falls under the Harbour Group of Companies coordinated the placement of the lights at the aforementioned dock.
The harbour group of companies has established an innovative green thinking policy which includes the use of wind and solar power at the Port of St. Maarten.
The port has invested in a vertical axis wind turbine; installed solar panels on the roof of the Cruise Terminal; and makes use of electric golf carts to shuttle cruise passengers up and down at the cruise port.
"I would like to commend the Supervisory Board of Directors, CEO Mark Mingo and the all the staff at the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies for their green thinking approach.
"I am appealing to other government owned companies to follow the lead and lower their foot print on the environment by implementing green initiatives. The harbour group has implemented several green projects on their property, and one of their companies has brought forward and implemented green initiatives within the community.
"Making our ports more environmentally friendly is necessary and is part of the trend within the cruise industry which is also making strides in going green.
"Let’s get down to basics! The government owned companies such as the Airport, GEBE, TELEM and the Port could come together in creating a cooperation approach to develop environmental programs and projects aimed at reducing or neutralizing the impact of their operations upon the environment and in the communities that they operate.
"By banning together which is a back to basics approach, these companies will be able to leverage their capabilities to improve the environment in which we live, work and our kids go to school.
"The end result will be an improvement in the quality of life and a better environment for all to enjoy including our visitors," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Tuesday.
Minister Lake added that Government and utility company GEBE are in the process of finalizing the Energy policy to promote various green initiatives.
PHOTO CUTLINE: Minister Hon. Maurice Lake.