PHILIPSBURG:--- United People’s Party (UP) Leader and Member of Parliament Omar Ottley has congratulated Alexander Gumbs on the extension of his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Port St. Maarten Group for another five years.
Ottley said the decision reaffirms the confidence he placed in Gumbs when he supported his initial appointment in 2021 as a member of the Council of Ministers.
“When Alex Gumbs was appointed CEO of Port St. Maarten in 2021, I supported that appointment as a member of the Council of Ministers,” Ottley said. “At the time, I saw a young, ambitious and highly educated Sint Maartener who had pursued his studies abroad, returned home and had already gained valuable experience in the port and cruise industry.”
Ottley said Gumbs has demonstrated his ability to lead during his first five-year term and has earned recognition within the regional cruise industry.
“Five years later, I am pleased to see that confidence reaffirmed with another five-year appointment,” he said.
The MP added that there remains room for Port St. Maarten to expand its vision, upgrade its infrastructure and further improve the experience offered to cruise passengers.
“We should be creating more opportunities for visitors to experience our culture and connect with what makes Sint Maarten unique,” Ottley said. “The Port should not simply be a point of arrival and departure; it should be an extension of the Sint Maarten experience, with locally owned concessionaires.”
Ottley described Gumbs’ journey as an example of what can be achieved when qualified local professionals are given opportunities to develop and lead. Gumbs pursued his education abroad, gained international experience and returned home to apply that knowledge in service of Sint Maarten.
“This is the kind of success story we should celebrate,” Ottley said. “A young Sint Maartener pursued his education abroad, returned home, built his career and is now leading one of the most important institutions in our economy, while also being recognized beyond our shores.”
He emphasized that Port St. Maarten remains a critical pillar of the country’s tourism economy and said strong local leadership will be essential to its continued growth.
“I congratulate Alex on his five-year extension and wish him continued success,” Ottley concluded. “I look forward to seeing what he and his team will accomplish over the next five years and how that leadership will continue to contribute to the growth and development of Port St. Maarten and Sint Maarten.”