GREAT BAY--United People’s Party faction leader and Member of Parliament Omar Ottley has congratulated Alexander Gumbs on the extension of his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Port St. Maarten Group for another five years, saying the decision reaffirms the confidence placed in Gumbs when he was first appointed in 2021.
Ottley said he supported Gumbs’ original appointment while serving as a member of the Council of Ministers and believed at the time that Gumbs possessed the education, experience and potential needed to lead one of St. Maarten’s most important economic institutions.
“When Alex Gumbs was appointed CEO of Port St. Maarten in 2021, I supported that appointment as a member of the Council of Ministers. At the time, I saw a young, ambitious and highly educated St. Maartener who had pursued his studies abroad, returned home and had already gained valuable experience in the port and cruise industry. I believed he had the ability to lead, and five years later, I am pleased to see that confidence reaffirmed with another five year appointment.”
Ottley said Gumbs’ renewed mandate should also provide an opportunity to further develop the Port’s infrastructure, visitor experience and connection with the wider St. Maarten economy.
“There is still room to take Port St. Maarten further. I will be looking to Alex to expand the vision for the Port, upgrade the infrastructure and, importantly, continue improving the passenger experience. We should be creating more opportunities for visitors to experience our culture and connect with what makes St. Maarten unique. The Port should not simply be a point of arrival and departure, it should be an extension of the St. Maarten experience with locally owned concessionaires.”
Ottley described Gumbs’ career path as an example of the importance of investing in local professionals and ensuring qualified St. Maarteners are given opportunities to lead major institutions. Gumbs pursued his education abroad, gained international experience and returned home to continue building his career in the port and cruise sector.
“This is the kind of success story we should celebrate. A young St. Maartener pursued his education abroad, returned home, built his career and is now leading one of the most important institutions in our economy, while also being recognized beyond our shores.”
Ottley said Port St. Maarten remains a critical pillar of the tourism economy and that its continued development will require leadership focused on competitiveness, infrastructure and creating greater economic opportunities locally.
“I congratulate Alex on his five-year extension and wish him continued success. I look forward to seeing what he and his team will accomplish over the next five years and how that leadership will continue to contribute to the growth and development of Port St. Maarten and St. Maarten.”
