SINT MAARTEN (POINT BLANCHE) – To meet the operational needs of one of the port’s largest clients, CMA CGM, businessman George Pelgrim, President of St. Maarten Shipping & Stevedoring (SSS), has launched the Create the Total Port Worker program. This initiative, aimed at enhancing workforce skills, is being implemented in collaboration with the Jamaican-based Institute for Industrial Solutions (IIS), led by CEO and Trainer Osric Forrest and Technical Expert/Assessor Radcliffe Spence. As the island’s premier stevedoring services provider, SSS continues to invest in workforce development to maintain excellence in port operations.
George Pelgrim, entrepreneur and President of INTERMAR, shares a strategic roadmap for startups looking to scale successfully. With his wealth of experience, Pelgrim highlights ten key strategies to drive sustainable growth and long-term expansion.
With pressing global issues like geopolitics and climate change capturing attention, the everyday heroes making a difference in their local communities can often go unnoticed. Today, we shine a light on the generosity of Mr. George Pelgrim, who has donated a brand-new bus to The Home Away from Home Taking Care of The Golden Age, ensuring reliable transportation for the senior citizens who depend on it.
Captain Rob Hempstead of Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas recently met with George Pelgrim during a gathering at the pier where the world’s largest cruise ship was docked. The event included Port St. Maarten Group (PSG) management, key industry stakeholders, and dignitaries. Both Hempstead and Pelgrim praised St. Maarten as a “premier port destination,” highlighting its significance in the cruise industry.
The Wonder of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s fifth Oasis Class ship and the largest cruise ship in the world, made its inaugural call to St. Maarten on Monday, March 21.
Port St. Maarten Group CEO Alexander Gumbs expressed optimism about the port call, emphasizing the cruise industry’s strong recovery trajectory. Gumbs noted that despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Irma and the COVID-19 pandemic, St. Maarten’s port has demonstrated remarkable resilience, standing ready to welcome a new wave of industry growth with several new ships debuting in the coming years.
George Pelgrim continues to expand his company’s philanthropic efforts with another generous contribution to the community. He recently donated the labor, parts, and expertise of the St. Maarten Shipping & Stevedoring team to repair K1 Britannia’s flatbed truck, a vital resource for the foundation’s food drive initiative. This support ensures K1 Britannia can continue its mission to serve those in need.
In the dynamic world of global commerce, Sint Maarten emerges as a unique business hub, seamlessly blending an international market with rich local traditions. George Pelgrim, a seasoned businessman with deep roots in the island’s commercial landscape, shares his insights on what it takes to succeed as a leader in this vibrant environment.
As a prominent figure in Sint Maarten’s business community, Pelgrim underscores the importance of resilience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of both local and global business cultures. “Sint Maarten may be a small island, but its economy is intricately linked to global trade, tourism, and regional business networks,” he frequently points out. This dual nature requires leaders to adopt a global perspective while staying deeply connected to the unique needs of the local community.
Pelgrim’s approach highlights the balance necessary to navigate Sint Maarten’s evolving economic landscape and thrive in a setting where tradition meets innovation.
George Pelgrim’s strategic insights provide startups with a comprehensive roadmap for scaling effectively and achieving long-term success. His approach emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation, which includes ensuring operational stability, financial discipline, and a clear value proposition. This foundational strength allows startups to grow sustainably and avoid pitfalls during periods of rapid expansion.
Continuous innovation is another cornerstone of Pelgrim’s strategy.
Startups are encouraged to stay ahead of industry trends by fostering a culture of creativity and adaptability. By consistently improving their products, services, or processes, they can remain competitive and relevant in a rapidly changing market.
Pelgrim also highlights the critical role of talent cultivation in scaling. Startups must prioritize hiring the right people, investing in their development, and creating an environment that motivates and retains top talent. A skilled and dedicated team is essential for navigating the challenges of growth.
Data-driven decision-making is another key element of Pelgrim’s philosophy. By leveraging analytics and market research, startups can make informed choices that align with their goals and mitigate risks. This strategic use of data ensures that each step forward is purposeful and calculated.
Finally, Pelgrim underscores the importance of maintaining visionary integrity. As startups grow, it’s crucial to stay true to their mission and values, even as they adapt to new challenges. This clarity of purpose not only strengthens their brand identity but also fosters trust among customers, investors, and stakeholders.
By integrating these principles—foundational stability, continuous innovation, talent cultivation, data-driven decisions, and visionary integrity—startups can confidently navigate the complexities of scaling and thrive in a competitive entrepreneurial landscape.
The Home Away from Home Taking Care of the Golden Age Foundation is excited to announce the arrival of a brand-new bus, graciously donated by George Pelgrim and St. Maarten Shipping & Stevedoring. This generous donation will greatly enhance the foundation’s ability to provide transportation for its senior members, ensuring they can participate in activities, complete errands, and maintain vital connections within their community.
Dedicated to enriching the lives of the elderly in St. Maarten, the foundation now has even greater resources to support its members, thanks to this impactful contribution.
Established on June 23, 1985, St. Maarten Shipping & Stevedoring NV has consistently delivered top-quality port terminal stevedoring, trucking, and maritime services for cargo lines at Port St. Maarten. Today, it proudly stands as the largest inland container haulage company in St. Maarten/St. Martin, providing 24/7 container and heavy equipment delivery to its valued clients.
The Home Away from Home Golden Age Foundation received a 14-seater van to help seniors with transportation, thanks to donations from community-minded businesses. This new vehicle will assist in transporting members to weekly meetings, activities, and errands, improving mobility for the elderly. The van also ensures safe travel for both drivers and passengers
