Continuing with its tradition of open consultations with Government officials, St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF) met with Formateur Theodore Heyliger and his support team.
In the meeting, the Formateur inquired about SMDF’s development financing undertakings as well as its Elderly project which is well underway. Speaking about SMDF’s development financing activities, SMDF’s Managing Director Keith Franca explained the work of SMDF’s NGO clients and shared the means in which NGOs can play pivotal roles in St. Maarten’s Development. Additionally, in briefing the Formateur about the Elderly project, detailing how the project came to be, its funding from the Dutch Government and the current state of affairs. Franca also provided SMDF’s timeline for completing repairs to 110 homes of the elderly as part of its efforts to support St. Maarten’s recovery. When asked by the Formateur about general priority areas for recovery, Franca reiterated the need for housing as well as psychosocial support for residents and economic stimulus that would create employment opportunities as the immediate priorities.
With much of the meeting’s talks focusing on St. Maarten’s recovery and future development, the Formateur thanked SMDF for its work thus far and particularly its home repair project for the elderly. In turn, Franca thanked the Formateur and his team for organizing the meeting and offered SMDF’s support and assistance for any future projects and programs that would support the country’s growth.
In photo (l-r): Formateur Theodore Heyliger, Dreena Lopes, Tamara Leonard, Makhicia Brooks and Keith Franca.