 On
December 3rd 2008, when PJIA commemorated its 65th anniversary,
PJIAE paused and paid homage to the past, with a steadfast aim at
future achievements. An exhibition of historic pictures was erected
in the check-in hall and airport workers were eternalized in a
collage of pictures on a plaque that was unveiled during a short
ceremony in the departure hall. In addition, workers were treated to
a wonderful luncheon.
PJIAE President drs, Eugene Holiday said it was fitting to honour
workers on the anniversary of the company, for their role in making
St. Maarten’s “premier gateway” among the best in the Caribbean.
Referring to his speech five years ago at the 60th anniversary, when
he said that it was “our task to take this institution forward with
similar vision and vigour,” drs. Holiday looked at the
transformation of St. Maarten’s aviation landscape and concluded
that “we have achieved in taking the institution forward.” Mr.
Holiday said looking back, PJIA has served St. Maarten well, through
good and difficult times; looking forward he saw a period of major
uncertainties. “But if past achievements are any indication of
future performance, I believe that we have a solid foundation to
face the challenges ahead,” he said.
“This is the basis for and in keeping with my management philosophy
that PJIAE is as much its employees as its employees are PJIA,” drs.
Holiday told workers, government and airline officials who gathered
for a short ceremony in the terminal building.
“It is for this reason and in recognition of their specific
contributions to PJIA that I have decided to dedicate PJIA’s 65th
anniversary to past and present employees who during the past 65
years have worked to make PJIAE what it is today,” he said, hinting
at the collage that was unveiled shortly after by retired PJIAE
electrician Frits Halley and long time employee Patricia Pantophlet.
Aviation Affairs Commissioner Mrs. Sarah Wescot-Williams applauded
the workers’ service oriented attitude, commending them for going
beyond their duties. She told the story of her own mother, a former
airport worker who once took home two Curacaolanean passengers who
were stranded in St. Maarten, penniless after a week of Carnival in
Antigua. “My mother brought them home for a cup of coffee, and they
stayed a whole week,” the commissioner, prompting laughter from the
audience at her story on going beyond the call of duty for
friendliness and service. Mrs. Wescott- Williams commended airport
management for choosing the anniversary to honoring the workers.
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