PJIA Unveils Gallery of Changemakers Honoring St. Maarten’s Legacy Builders

AIRPORT--Princess Juliana International Airport, PJIA, officially unveiled its Princess Juliana’s Gallery of Changemakers on Friday, creating a permanent public tribute to individuals whose leadership, service, vision and contributions have helped shape St. Maarten, its people and, in several cases, the airport itself.

The gallery, located on the wall near the Cargo Building along the road toward Maho, features portraits honoring individuals selected for the lasting impression they have made on the country and its community. PJIA said the inaugural group represents only the beginning, with additional Changemakers expected to be recognized and added to the gallery in the future.  

Honorees and their families were invited to attend the unveiling ceremony. Families represented Changemakers who are no longer alive, giving relatives an opportunity to take part in the recognition of their loved ones’ legacies.

PJIA said the ceremony proved particularly meaningful for families and invited guests, many of whom expressed how moved they were to see their loved ones recognized in such a visible and lasting way. The airport said the project was designed not only to celebrate individual achievement, but also to preserve the stories and contributions of people who played an important role in St. Maarten’s development.  

“Princess Juliana International Airport is part of the history of St. Maarten, and we believe it is important that our airport also tells the stories of the people who helped build and shape our community,” said PJIA Chief Executive Officer Michael Cleaver.

“As we continue rebuilding and looking toward the future, we must never forget where we came from. These individuals have made a lasting impression on St. Maarten and their contributions deserve to be recognized, remembered and shared with generations to come,” Cleaver said.

The Gallery of Changemakers has also been incorporated into PJIA’s ongoing rebuilding efforts. With sections of the airport’s walls already undergoing restoration, PJIA said it was able to transform the space into a community tribute at minimal additional cost.

The project is being led by PJIA Consultant Naomie Mazzola, who said the initiative was designed to give the stories behind the portraits a platform of their own.

“Every wall tells a story. For me, this one is about creating something our people can see themselves in, something that reflects where we come from, celebrates who we are today and reminds the next generation that they have a place in shaping where we go next,” Mazzola said.

“This is only the beginning! As we continue refurbishing our existing spaces and building new walls, I’m excited to see how our gallery takes shape and grows into a true reflection of our history, our culture, our people and the stories that make us who we are.”

The unveiling also marks the start of a wider storytelling initiative. In the coming weeks, PJIA will feature each Changemaker individually across its social media platforms, sharing their stories and highlighting the contributions they have made to St. Maarten and, where applicable, Princess Juliana International Airport.

The public is being encouraged to follow PJIA’s social media channels under SXMAirport to learn more about the individuals featured in the gallery and the roles they have played in shaping the country and its airport.

PJIA said the Gallery of Changemakers is intended to strengthen the airport’s connection with the community while celebrating St. Maarten’s history and ensuring that the stories of those who contributed to its development are carried forward for future generations.

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