Crane operator Diana Nicholson in action
PHILIPSBURG--Port St. Maarten Group (PSG) has employed its first woman crane operator. The harbour is investing in human resource development while preparing for sustained growth of incoming cargo at Captain David Quay located at Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facility.
In the coming years, local construction and building sector indicators reveal a very active period with a number of projects continuing to come online in 2023 and beyond, PSG stated. “The cargo sector is a vital part of the nation’s economy and hard and soft investments are needed.”
PSG Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alexander Gumbs said he is now very pleased to have a woman form part of PSGs talented crane and cargo team. Diana Nicholson has been working in the safety and security department at PSG since 2018 and started her training in August 2022. From very young, she always had an interest in operating heavy machinery.
Nicholson’s advice to young women is: “Don’t limit yourself to what society tells you is best for you, especially when it is based on a gender stereotype. Follow your intuition, dream big and do not be afraid to pursue those dreams, and if your dreams don’t scare you, then you’re not dreaming big enough. Dream bigger!”
The second trainee crane operator is Kimba Thomas. He applied at PSG and was selected due to his years of experience operating heavy equipment for construction companies in St. Kitts and Nevis, England, Africa, Antigua, St. Lucia and St. Maarten.
“We are always working to promote our staff to the next level as part of our business human resource development and instilling of organisation citizenship,” Gumbs said. “Our seasoned operators will be training the new recruits in the coming months testing and sharpening their operating capabilities.”
All operators will be going through additional training in the fourth quarter by certified technicians out of the United States, Gumbs announced.
