PHILIPSBURG:--- Various citizens and heritage supporters came out on Saturday, May 10, from 7 a.m. until midday to help with the second clean-up of the FOGA Salt Factory, which was built in 1862. The ruins of the old salt factory are a protected heritage site and fall under the protection of the Government of Sint Maarten, namely the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS).
The historical monument was rendered inaccessible due to overgrown trees, old vehicles, and pollution, which kept it from remaining visible to the public. Due to the difficulty posed by several abandoned cars and large debris, a third cleanup will be hosted in June 2025, with a pending date. The initiative was led by Paul Ellinger, an environmental advocate, in collaboration with Ralph Cantave, an author, community advocate, and pastor. A heavily shared Facebook post by concerned citizens recently shed light on the unsightly nature of the monument.
Ellinger, a nature and landscape photographer, frequently visited the site and was disturbed by the lack of upkeep. He also had to step in to warn of squatters at the site. Ellinger emphasized the need for greater care and appreciation for this pivotal piece of St. Maarten's history. He added that it has significant potential to contribute to the island’s tourism product. Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Melissa Gumbs, along with Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs Jr., pledged their support to preserve and maintain the site. Both Ministers visited the cleanup on Saturday and coordinated with their ministries to support the initiative.
Dozens of volunteers, including students and seniors, came to assist. The initiative brought together generations of residents who share a love and concern for the island’s heritage. Many people expressed a lack of awareness of the salt factory or not being taught about its role in exploiting salt. They also mentioned being unaware of its existence until the clean-up was announced.
Cantave stressed the need for education about our tangible heritage, which serves as a reminder of the legacy our ancestors left in overcoming the tragic and cruel period of slavery. He affirmed his support of public awareness campaigns and tours to increase local knowledge of the ruins and their role in our history.
Most of the debris besides grass and the pruned mangroves was styrofoam, plastic, glass bottles, and household goods, similar to the first clean-up in 2023. Ellinger and Cantave would like to thank the public for their participation, donations, and contributions of tools and refreshments to make the clean-up a success. They’d also like to thank Trash Willy Enterprise and Nahiem & Kenzo General Services for their trucking services in safely dumping the garbage and debris.