What is the current state of the infrastructure sector in Sint Maarten? What are some of the challenges and the opportunities?
The infrastructure in Sint Maarten needs a lot of attention at the moment. The country has been managing roads and infrastructure for a long time, expanding over the years, but the maintenance and upgrades have not always kept pace with the expansion, as you might have noticed upon arriving. The government is working hard, and we're busy with resurfacing roads. It's an ongoing process, but there remains a significant amount of work to be done.
Can you give us a presentation on Windward Roads Infrastructure? Provide us some of your key figures, and some of the main projects that you're currently working.
To provide some context, Windward Roads Infrastructure is part of a company that originally operated under the name Janssen De Jong, known as JAJO in the Netherlands. The company started 87 years ago as a small infrastructure company, gradually expanding into construction and renovation. In the 1960s, we extended our operations to the Caribbean, beginning in the South Windward Islands. Windward Roads Infrastrcture Sint Maarten was established in 1986, it remains our main office for the Upper Windward islands, including Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Anguilla.We specialize primarily in asphalt and concrete production and application, along with various infrastructure works. Over the years, we have also handled smaller renovation projects. For example, following Hurricane Irma in 2017, we carried out renovation works for schools, gyms, and emergency services buildings with World Bank assistance. Our annual turnover ranges between 25 to 30 million dollars, although this can fluctuate due to the variable economy of Sint Maarten and the surrounding islands.Currently, we're working on a major road resurfacing project for the government, with a budget of around 5.6 million dollars allocated for this purpose. We recently completed work on Longwall Road and are engaged in asphalt works at the airport. Additionally, we are exploring more private sector projects, such as supplying concrete for the large-scale Aqua Resorts development and other luxury ventures such as Vie L'Ven, a five-star resort led by Canadian developers, which will feature a Michelin-star restaurant managed by Alain Ducasse. We’re also working with the White and Yellow Cross on new building expansions and hope to secure more projects with the World Bank for hurricane recovery.
What is your vision for the future of Windward Roads Infrastructure and what are your medium- and long-term strategic priorities?
We focus on infrastructure development and aim to collaborate with both government and private developers to create sustainable funds to bring the island's infrastructure to a higher standard. In the long term, we plan to diversify into self-development projects to secure more stable income streams.
How is the company adapting to technological and digital investments to improve its service and competitiveness?
We are actively digitizing to reduce reliance on paperwork and improve efficiency across our operations, including collaboration with our sister companies in Curacao and Aruba. We are also exploring improvements in customer outreach and adopting Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) standards due to our European ties, driving environmental and social responsibility.
How does the company engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and support local communities?
We have various initiatives, from helping the Nature Foundation with projects like building a bird-watching jetty to sponsoring community events and the Foundation Judicial Institutes St. Maarten. We focus more on providing in-kind support, such as equipment and expertise, rather than direct funds, to maximize our positive impact on the island.
What is your final message to Newsweek readers considering Sint Maarten as a potential investment and/or tourism destination?
Sint Maarten is a prime investment destination with immense potential and ongoing development projects. We need to collaborate more across sectors to maximize the island’s opportunities for growth and tourism.
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