SXMElections.com

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA), the largest business representative on the island, held its second Annual General Meeting on September 30, 2014 at the offices of the association.

The new board, 15 strong, welcomed new comers: Mrs. Debby Lind-Steyn, Managing Director at Aquamarina, Drs. Francio Guadeloupe, Dean of Academics at the University of St. Martin, Mr. Michael Cleaver, CEO at WINAIR, Mr. Jeffrey de la Combe, Island Manager at Tropical Shipping, and Mr. Jan Peter Holtland, Financial Controller at Windward Roads.

Although elected in September, they will not be taking their seats until January 1st 2015, nonetheless, they have already committed to assist the association when and where possible.

Following the success of the first Annual General Meeting which was held on September 18, 2014 at the Princess Port de Plaisance Resort & Casino, during which Prof Dr. Ryan Peterson from the University of Aruba gave a most engaging presentation on education Transcending the tides, Thriving on Talent; the association received many new members including The Hillside Christian Schools, The Hard Rock Café, Ballerina Jewelers, MGM Consultants, and on the morning of the second Annual General Meeting, the Atrium Resort and Simpson Bay Resort, bringing the total of new members so far for 2014 to 33.

The SHTA still has several events planned for this year, starting with a Labor Law Seminar on October 22, followed by a Job Fair, and a mixer with Prof Age Bakker of the CFT during the first week of December. The coveted Annual Crystal Pineapple Awards Gala event will be taking place on November 21 at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino.

CPA was established in 2005 by the SHTA to recognize outstanding performance of those individuals, companies and organization which have made significant contributions to the tourism industry and the island as a whole.

SHTA's Executive Director, Ms. Karen Hana, would like to encourage St. Maarten to vote for their choice of nominees as soon as the voting process opens on October 13th. Voters can access the SHTA's website at shta.com/crystal-pineapple-awards.

The SHTA is dedicated to bringing quality to all aspects of life on St. Maarten by promoting sustainable development for its members in cooperation with the social partners and the creation of a fair marketplace.

For more information please contact our offices at 542-0108 or visit our website at www.shta.com.