GREAT BAY--The St. Maarten Association for Development Environment (SMADE) has announced its newly elected Board and outlined a 2026 agenda focused on increasing opportunities for local companies and professionals to participate in major public and private development projects across St. Maarten. The new leadership and priorities were introduced following the association’s recent General Meeting.
The 2026 SMADE Board consists of Brian Mingo as Chairman, Yuri Daal as Secretary, Sjors Ooteman as Treasurer, and Board Members Alexander Carchidi, Diego Martinez Pantin and Michiel Witteveen.
SMADE Chairman Brian Mingo said the association’s role extends beyond advocating for individual contractors and is focused on strengthening the wider construction and development sector.
“SMADE represents companies and professionals involved in St. Maarten’s construction and development sector. Our objective is to strengthen the local industry through greater local participation, professional standards, certification, safety, training and closer cooperation between the private sector and government,” Mingo said.
“As the newly elected Chairman, I look forward to working together with our Board and membership to strengthen the role of qualified local companies in St. Maarten’s continued development.”
The new Board said its priorities are aimed at strengthening St. Maarten’s construction and development sector by promoting greater collaboration, professionalism, certification and adherence to industry standards, while creating more meaningful opportunities for qualified local businesses to participate in the country’s development.
The agenda is based in part on feedback received directly from SMADE members, who have identified greater local participation and improved access to opportunities as important issues for the sector.
As part of its 2026 program, SMADE intends to begin a series of meetings with public and private sector stakeholders whose policies and services directly affect contractors, developers and other professionals working in the industry.
Among the first engagements will be discussions with the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) on ways to increase the participation of local companies in recovery and development projects.
SMADE also plans to engage the banking sector on improving access to financing for contractors and developers, including financing needed for equipment investment and business expansion. Discussions are also planned with the insurance industry to explore stronger collaboration and insurance solutions that better support local contractors and construction professionals.
“St. Maarten possesses the knowledge, experience and entrepreneurial spirit to undertake a much greater role in the country’s development,” the SMADE Board stated. “Our objective is to ensure that qualified local companies have meaningful opportunities to participate in major projects while maintaining the highest standards of quality, professionalism and safety.”
The Board said greater collaboration among SMADE, the NRPB, financial institutions, insurance providers, government and the private sector can help strengthen the local construction industry, create employment, retain expertise on the island and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
SMADE said it intends to continue engaging stakeholders across both the public and private sectors in the coming months and welcomes constructive dialogue with organizations and professionals committed to the continued development of St. Maarten.
For information on membership or partnership opportunities, SMADE can be contacted at SMADESXM@gmail.com
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