PHILIPSBURG – The National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) was strengthened with the addition of local professional Rueben J. Thompson who joined the team on Tuesday, July 2. Rueben successfully passed the interview process and was hired by NRPB Director Claret Connor as the Bureau’s Environmental Safeguards Specialist. He joins skilled staff of project management, administrative, legal and communication professionals.
As Environmental Safeguards Specialist Rueben will be responsible for organizing and coordinating the environmental features of all projects under the Sint Maarten Trust Fund. Rueben will be instrumental in the development of the safeguards tools together with the Social Safeguards Specialist of the NRPB. “The addition of the Environmental Safeguards Specialist to the staff of the NRPB is significant. One of the guiding principles of our projects is the do no-harm principle. In everything the Bureau does, we look to avoid and minimize the harm to people and the environment” Director Connor expressed. “Rueben is now part of a growing dynamic team of dedicated professionals who continues to work tirelessly on implementing recovery and development projects for the betterment of St. Maarten and its future”
Rueben has held various positions in both the public and private sectors and brings with him fifteen years of experience in environmental management, research, policy development, education and outreach. “The sound management of the man-made environment and the responsible use of our natural resources are key factors in the development of a more resilient and sustainable Sint Maarten. I am therefore pleased that environmental safeguards are a cornerstone of all of the recovery projects and I look forward to sharing my expertise and contributing to the sustainable recovery of Sint Maarten.” Says Rueben
The NRPB will continue to strengthen its capacity in the coming months with additional staff, including project managers, procurement specialists, engineers and additional safeguards specialists. Interested applicants are encouraged to regularly monitor the Bureau’s website (www.nrpbsxm.org) and social media accounts (www.facebook.com/sxmnationalrecovery).