PHILIPSBURG – On Wednesday, January 9th, during the Council of Ministers Press Briefing, Prime Minister Leona Romeo Marlin confirmed the appointment by the Council of Ministers of Claret Connor as Director of the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB). As Director of the NRPB Mr. Connor will be responsible for the execution of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. During his courtesy visit to the Cabinet of the Prime Minister, Director Connor received an introductory briefing on the status of the recovery process. 

“I would like to express special thanks to Prime Minister Leona Romeo Marlin the Council of Ministers for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to thank the NRPB Recruitment committee for their professionalism during the selection process. I look forward to receiving in- depth updates from the Interim Recovery Committee and other relevant authorities, and establishing ways forward as we continue to build back our beloved St Maarten,” said Director NRPB Claret Connor. 

Prime Minister Romeo Marlin said, “With the appointment of Mr. Connor as Director of the NRPB we are one step closer to building the much-required capacity to execute the National Recovery & Resilience Plan for the people of Sint Maarten. He brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and experience that that will definitely add to the successful execution of the projects financed by the World Bank Trust Fund.” 

The National Recovery Program Bureau once properly staffed, will take over the tasks that are currently being executed by the Interim Recovery Committee (IRC) and will be responsible for the day-to-day preparation, coordination, execution and evaluation of the projects that will be financed through the World Bank Trust Fund. 

The NRPB will play a central role in project management while working closely with the ministries and third parties for the design of the projects. 

In conclusion, Director Connor expressed, “The next important step is the staffing of the Bureau based on its ordinance, in which it is stated that the staff must have relevant experience and expertise understanding our local situation, in order for the NRPB to adequately perform its tasks and execute its responsibilities. Personally and from experience, I can understand the anxieties that exist in dealing with the overwhelming circumstances post the biggest disaster in our modern history but with our steadfast, focused and determined posture, we will work tirelessly to rebuild Sint Maarten.” 

Photo Caption: Newly apponted director Claret Connor(l) shakes hand of Prime Minister Leona Romoe-Marlin(r).