PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs,
Transport & Telecommunications (TEATT) for St. Maarten, the Honourable
Arthur Lambriex, toured Philipsburg on Friday to get a first-hand look at the
extent of clean up and repairs needed.His colleague Minister of Public Housing, Environment,
Spatial Planning, and Infrastructure (VROMI), the honourable Egbert Doran,
accompanied Lambriex. The Ministers walked the streets of Philipsburg,
interacting with business owners, residents and visitors to get their views on
the urgently needed improvements for the area.
"We received many positive comments and a warm
reception from the people we spoke with during our tour, and we are committed
to making sure they see results within a short time," said Minister
Lambriex on Friday evening.
Lambriex and Doran also walked the Boardwalk and had
an opportunity to assess the condition of the area. They inspected street
lighting and the general condition of the places frequently accessed by
pedestrians.
"I am very pleased to be accompanied by my
colleague Minister Doran as we look at the areas in Philipsburg that need
urgent attention," said Lambriex. Lambriex said Minister Doran shares his
views on road rehabilitation. "Some key issues that we observed include
broken street lighting poles and impassable pedestrian sidewalks," said
Minister Lambriex. The TEATT Minister also explained that the garbage bins and
benches installed on the Front and Back Streets several years ago would have to
be replaced.
"The first step has been taken," said
Lambriex referring to Friday's tour of Philipsburg. We will put together an
action plan for quick fixes that Minister Doran and I identified as urgent. As
I mentioned when I announced the plans for my first 100 days in office, safety
in Philipsburg is a significant concern. It is, therefore, necessary to act
quickly, which is why I am pushing forward to get as much done to protect
everyone who enters Philipsburg," said Minister Lambriex.
The Minister of TEATT explained that both Ministries
would work to urgently remove the slabs of concrete with broken streetlights
and replace them with simple and cost-effective lights.
He also promises to alleviate the pedestrians' concerns
about the increase in curb-side parking in Philipsburg, which makes it
difficult to walk on the roadside.
"We believe that once we replace the garbage bins
and put new benches on the roadside, this will reduce the possibility for
vehicles to park on the roadside. We want our pedestrians to have a clear and
smooth path and not have to walk in the busy streets," said Lambriex.
The Ministry of VROMI will also look at ways to make
the streets more handicap accessible and improve the signage to identify
specific areas reserved for physically challenged motorists.
"Everyone's safety is our concern, and that's why
we are getting the work done to keep you safe. Making the area beautiful is a
side benefit so that we can look our best when visitors arrive," said Minister
Lambriex.