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What is Yachting Worth to Sint Maarten?

Dear Yachting and Maritime Industry Participant,
Sint Maarten is clearly a major center for yachting and the maritime industry in the Caribbean. Hosting hundreds of superyachts, cruisers and race yachts annually Sint Maarten has major marinas, boatyard, and many businesses supporting yachting. The Sint Maarten economy is based significantly on tourism, but how much of this is driven by Yachting? The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication, the Sint Maarten Marine Trades Association, and the Sint Maarten Harbor Group are collaborating to undertake an Economic Impact Study of the Sint Maarten Yachting & Maritime Sector.
We, Mr. Arthur HL Lambriex, Minister for Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication, and Mr. Jesse Peterson, Chairman of the Sint Maarten Marine Trades Association are requesting your engagement and help in this vital study: We know Yachting is a major part of Sint Maarten’s economy, and this study will allow us to understand the overall economic impact of our thriving marine industry on the island. This study will engage with both local marine businesses and visiting yachts to evaluate the economic contribution.
This study will also enable a combination of our government data on yacht and crew arrivals with the island's maritime sector businesses to gain an overview. This will allow the government to plan better to support the sustainable growth and further development of this vital sector.
The aim is to gain an understanding of the economic contribution to the island's Gross Domestic Product and also the direct and indirect jobs supported by the yachting and maritime sectors. EcoSustainAbility has been appointed to undertake the study over the coming six months. They will be looking at the economic contribution from both the demand and supply side. They will also be surveying superyachts, charter boats, cruising yachts, and racers, as well as local charter boats, watersports and dive operators. On the supply side, they will be working with marinas, yacht agents, and the many marine trades, services, and associated businesses. They will also look at events such as the Heineken Regatta, the Caribbean Multihull Challenge, the Wahoo fishing tournament, and the ARC Europe.
We ask you to assist with the study, please engage in the interviews and questionnaires, and where you can help the consulting team reach out to yacht skippers and crew.
Thank you in advance.

 

Yours Sincerely,

 

____________________________                                                                                 _________________________________
Mr. Arthur HL Lambriex                                                                                                               Mr. Jesse Peterson
Minister Chairman
Tourism, Economic Affairs,                                                                                                       Sint Maarten Marine Trades Association
Transport and Telecommunication


TELEM CEO Responds.

Kendall Dupersoy
CEO, TelEm Group
January 8, 2024
Dear Mr. Editor,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing in response to the front-page article published in the Daily Herald on January 3, 2024, which referenced a confidential operational audit report of the TelEm Group of Companies. Unfortunately, the article did not provide me, as the CEO, with an opportunity to respond and offer context and clarification as needed.
It is worth noting that the Daily Herald obtained a copy of the report, which explicitly states that its contents cannot be published without written permission from the government audit bureau (SOAB). However, the article proceeded without addressing this crucial point.
Nowhere in the article did it acknowledge the steps taken by the Management Board and the Supervisory Board to act upon the recommendations made in response to the operational audit. These actions were duly reported to the Shareholder. A simple inquiry with TelEm could have provided you with the necessary information to present a more balanced perspective.
The focus of the audit was on strategic-level issues. While we acknowledge the need for attention to certain aspects, it is essential to clarify that no fraudulent activities were discovered, contrary to the expectations of many prior to the audit.
TelEm's management has undertaken various measures to address highlighted issues, including the establishment of a Project Management Office and the implementation of automation through a Customer Relations Management (CRM) system from Microsoft, alongside other software solutions. These initiatives aim to furnish necessary information to Management, the Supervisory Board, and the Shareholder.
Furthermore, the audit recommended an evaluation of the current organizational structure to align with industry trends. Telecommunication organizations worldwide are restructuring due to the shift from per-minute voice calling to unlimited data. TelEm, in line with industry practices, is adapting to this change, which involves cost-cutting and the introduction of value-added services.
We are not oblivious to our financial situation, including a multi-million-dollar loan that requires repayment. The combined impact of Hurricane Irma and the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected our finances, with no assistance provided, unlike other organizations on the island.
Through this letter, I aim to clarify our company's position and the proactive steps taken in response to the operational audit report. This clarification is particularly crucial as our organization faces financial challenges that demand decisive action to ensure our survival.
Members of Parliament have access to the full content of the operational audit report and are fully aware that it does not mention fraud or mismanagement. It is disheartening that individuals without the best interests of the company or its personnel at heart continue to reference unverified reasons for the necessary actions being taken.
I appreciate your attention to this matter and hope that future coverage will accurately reflect TelEm's efforts to address challenges transparently and responsibly.
Sincerely,
Kendall Dupersoy
CEO, TelEm Group

 

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