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News from the Netherlands Antilles
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Dutch St Maarten names new Commissioner of Tourism
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| Published on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 | Email To Friend Print Version
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PHILIPSBURG, St Maarten -- Frans George Richardson has been appointed as Commissioner of Tourism and Economic Affairs, Aviation and Sports for St Maarten. Prior to this position, Richardson served for three years as a Senator representing St Maarten in the Netherlands Antilles Parliament.
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| Frans George Richardson, Commissioner of Tourism & Economic Affairs, Aviation and Sports in St Maarten |
"I am honoured to be appointed Commissioner and am eager to work with our partners in the private sector to usher in a new day for St Maarten's tourism industry and raise awareness of our island in key markets across Europe and the Americas," said Richardson.
"Tourism is St Maarten's most important industry and the pillar of our economy," noted Richardson, "but it's also what we do best with 37 immaculate beaches and the most restaurants found on any Caribbean island."
"Despite the challenges of our current economic climate," Richardson said, "I am extremely excited to take the helm and steer our tourism development in a positive direction by incorporating our unique cultural elements into the tropical appeal that has made St Maarten a longtime favorite among travelers."
He expressed optimism for a positive turnaround as the country is strategically positioned with convenient airlift from most major US markets.
"Airlift will continue to be a major focus for our government so that we are well positioned to reap the benefits of a massive influx of tourism as soon as the global economy begins to recover," he added.
Richardson began his political pursuits in 2003 when he was elected to the Island Council in the St Maarten Government. Prior to his involvement in the political arena, he served as airport operations duty manager at St Maarten's Princess Juliana International Airport.
Born and raised on St Maarten, Richardson has remained a loyal native of the island where he went to school and developed his career. Considered by many as a trendsetter among St Maarten's young entrepreneurs, Richardson is a renowned businessman and elected public official, and is driven to excel in all initiatives. A well-rounded individual, Richardson has an extensive history of successful leadership in various capacities, including the car rental industry, cinema (he established the first multi-screen movie theatre in St.Maarten), real estate and construction.
Richardson is a member of the Frans Richardson Educational Foundation, the Soualiga Son Foundation, as well as various sporting organizations throughout the island. Additionally, he is a Member of the Permanent Committee on Constitutional Affairs (PCCA) for St Maarten. | | | | Reads : 643 | | | |
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