The grounds of the construction site.
PHILIPSBURG--Comprehensive environmental and community protection measures have been put in place as construction begins at the Sister Marie Laurence School site under the Trust Fund’s Fostering Resilient Learning Project (FRLP).
The National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) is implementing safeguards aimed at ensuring the work is carried out safely, responsibly and with minimal disruption to nearby residents.
The contractor, Steel Structures T&T Ltd., has already begun mobilisation activities. Most construction works, including foundation and substructure activities, are expected to take place during the summer months.
According to NRPB, the project operates under an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), which guides the identification and management of environmental and social risks associated with the project.
The safeguarding measures address issues including traffic control, dust and noise mitigation, worker conduct and site safety. Contractors are required to prepare either a Contractor’s Environmental and Social Management Plan (CESMP) or Management Strategies and Implementation Plans (MSIPs).
The plans must outline how contractors and subcontractors will comply with the project’s environmental and social commitments contained in the ESMF and ensure that those standards are maintained throughout implementation of the project.
NRPB noted that construction activities will differ from those carried out during the demolition phase. Residents can expect periodic deliveries of construction materials and the movement of heavy equipment in the area.
Road users may encounter partial road closures and occasional traffic delays. NRPB said these impacts will be communicated in advance. A Traffic Management Plan is currently being updated to support traffic flow and minimise disruptions during construction. Coordination is planned with Community Police and the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI.
Users of the Middle Region playground and basketball court should also expect restrictions on access, particularly during working hours. Safety barriers and signage will be installed to prevent trespassing onto the construction site. The public is being asked to follow all safety precautions and announcements related to the restrictions.
Stakeholder engagement efforts are continuing as the project progresses. NRPB said three rounds of public consultations have already been held, along with direct engagement with nearby residents, parents, teachers and the Catholic School Board, the governing body of Sister Marie Laurence School.
Residents are encouraged to participate in future stakeholder sessions to receive project updates and provide feedback. Information will also be shared through regular updates on the project webpage and NRPB social media platforms. Questions, feedback and queries can be submitted by e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) also remains available for formal complaints related to NRPB projects, including FRLP. The mechanism provides a structured process for submitting and addressing complaints. According to NRPB, no complaints were recorded during the
demolition phase of the Sister Marie Laurence School project.
FRLP is being implemented by NRPB on behalf of the Government of St. Maarten in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport. The project is funded through the Trust Fund, which is financed by the Government of the Netherlands and administered by the World Bank.
