St Maarten Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic, and Telecommunication

outreach that I’ve always had into the community, in terms of volunteering, giving back, being part of very diverse organizations – from environmental, to youth, to cultural. I’m a Rotarian, as well. So, basically a well-rounded background, besides my formal education, has allowed me to really put those experiences to work. Of course, every job has a learning curve, but I see it as a unique opportunity to serve my country and my people in this role. It has been really an awesome experience so far.” BVC: Your Ministry has a broad scope. Can you give us an overview of the facilities and services under your purview? Minister Johnson: “The TEATT Ministry is a shareholder representative of the SXM Airport, and Port St. Maarten, and is in charge of regulating all the Telecommunications providers on the island. I’m also in charge of Transportation, which involves taxi drivers, toll operators, and the entire public transport network; Economic Affairs, which covers granting of licenses, including licenses for operating businesses; and Maritime and Aviation, including the ship registry, and dealing with aviation matters, such as the recent issue with the 737 MAX 8 and 9 aircraft that I had to restrict from our air space. The Meteorological department falls under my authority as well. There are several facets to this Ministry that I’m in charge of – including control of the calibration department, where we check the weights and scales of different establishments to make sure they are in line with our laws and our ordinances for best practices, so consumers are not being ripped off. The Tourist Bureau also falls directly under my authority. It’s a wide and diverse portfolio and comes with a lot of responsibility.” BVC: It seems that much of your portfolio connects to tourism. Is that true? Minister Johnson: “Correct. The Tourist Office falls directly under the Ministry. Basically, I am the decision maker. I make all financial decisions, which trade shows we’re going to attend, work travel, everything for all those Ministry facets falls under my direction. The last few months ST . MAARTEN MINI STRY OF TOUR I SM, ECONOMI C AFFA I RS , TRAFF