NRPB Director Claret Connor.
PHILIPSBURG--The majority of the Trust Fund construction projects under implementation in St. Maarten have been suspended since the coronavirus COVID-19 lockdown measures government introduced in early April.
The country was first placed under a state of emergency on April 5 and went on a 24-hour lockdown for two weeks. This was extended by three weeks, which went into effect on Sunday, April 19, and will end on Sunday, May 10. An additional one-week extension will go into effect as of May 10 and continue until Sunday, May 17. This will bring the total lockdown period to a month and a half.
The National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) said on Monday that the only construction activity still ongoing is repairing the roof of the Philipsburg police station. “Since the works had started before the COVID-19 measures became effective, and interrupting the works would leave the roof exposed, the NRPB requested that these repair works be allowed to continue,” NRPB said in an invited comment on the status of its projects.
“All necessary precautions are being taken by the workers and supervising contractors in relation to COVID-19. Procurement of goods is still continuing. For example, recently a contract was signed and deposit made for the production of three fire trucks for the St. Maarten Fire Department.”
NRPB said its management and staff members have been working remotely from home since March 30. “They continue with the management and supervision activities, where possible, of projects currently under implementation. They also continue with necessary preparatory works on projects, in anticipation of being able to have these projects resume implementation as soon as the country opens up once again.”
NRPB Director Claret Connor assured that NRPB stands in solidarity with the country as it combats “this unprecedented experience.”
“Gratitude and thanks are extended to the front-liners and volunteers for their courage and dedication to our communities. They continue to exemplify the tenacity on which our beloved St Maarten has been built.
“We would like to express our condolences to those who have lost loved ones during this period.
“St. Maarten is a strong nation and, as we have done in the past, we will also overcome this together. Follow the instructions of the government and remain safe,” Connor said.
