NAGICO Insurances made a donation to local film student Laura Bijnsdorp who has undertaken a project to make a documentary which depicts St. Maarten as it was in the 1960's. Also part of the film project is a series of free workshops on film-making for interested participants form 14-19 years old on the island.
According to Bijnsdorp, she came up with the concept after realizing how little many young people know about the island's history. "The film will feature re-enactments, old photographs and stories by senior citizens to bring that time-period to life," she explained. "Walking though our small capital, Philipsburg, many don't realize they are passing various historical monuments, houses and stores that are over 60 years old. I started wondering, what St.Maarten was like before tourism, before the large hotels, casinos, cruise ship harbor, malls and over a million visitors a year. By making this documentary we hope that people learn more about their history and in return appreciate it more."
When NAGICO was approached by the young scholar with her idea, NAGICO quickly agreed to assist with funding this project as preserving one's past is something that NAGICO believes in. "We believe that one needs to know where they are coming from, in order to move forward, and this is something we at NAGICO have been doing lately in light of our 30th anniversary achievement this year", NAGICO's Executive Marketing Manager Paul Dijkhoffz stated.
NAGICO celebrated 30 years of service and excellence in February this year and since then has been commemorating this occasion in several of our 19 territories by making several donations and sponsorships to non-profit organizations, schools and senior citizen homes.
Bijnsdorp lauded NAGICO for the generous contribution and the company's commitment to commemorating the island's heritage. She along with a group of 4th year students have made many productions in the past, and have taught various work-shops in film in the past. Bijnsdorp also mentioned that to ensure community involvement she will also be offering a series of workshops on film-making for interested participants form 14-19 years old.
