In collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Culture, headed by Minister Rhoda Arrindell, the Chamber of Commerce, through its Trade Committee headed by Ann Meyers and Bernardo de Castro, has organized the Philipsburg Christmas Fair. The Fair started last Friday and will continue on next 2 Fridays December 17 and 24.
Last Friday, and notwithstanding the technical difficulties in resolving the light problem in Front Street, there was a good turnout from the residents and the stay over visitors. This Friday, the light problem has been resolved and the Fair will start from 3 pm until 10 pm. It will take place on Front Street from L’Escargot Restaurant to Holland House. This portion of the street will be closed to traffic and tents will be set for the local small entrepreneurs to expose their goods and services.
In the spirit of reviving the economic activity on the island, this initiative could not be better in starting with Philipsburg during the Christmas Holidays. This is also the first Christmas for the Country Sint Maarten and it certainly brings the hope to continue with such initiatives to revive and diversify the economy.
All permits are in place and effective arrangements are made with the Police Force for maximum safety and security. Minister Franklin Meyers has granted permission to the merchants of Front Street to stay open until 10 pm, if they wish to do so. A request was forwarded to the Harbour to ask the ships who are in port to stay late on those days.
The Chamber of Commerce encourages all businesses to consider staying open or at least to leave the curtains of their windows open with the lights on, to give our Front Street a "Night Shopping" look. With the activity, the multiple Police patrols and the Security Officers stationed in the Alleys during the entire length of the event, all measures have been taken to make this event a pleasant, safe and fruitful event.
All interested local small entrepreneurs are encouraged to contact the Chamber of Commerce at 542 3590 or Ann Meyers at 580 4475, if they want to participate. It is free of charge to participate; the participants are requested to bring their own table, display materials and electrical appliances.