SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY-AIRPORT) - Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) today officially unveiled the Princess Juliana’s Gallery of Changemakers, a new initiative honoring individual who have made a lasting impact on Sint Maarten, its people, and its development.
The Gallery of Changemakers was created to recognize and preserve the stories of individuals whose leadership, service, vision, dedication and contributions have helped shape Sint Maarten and, in several cases, Princess Juliana International Airport itself.
The group of Changemakers was selected by an internal PJIA committee, which considered individuals who have left a meaningful and lasting impression on the island and its community. This inaugural group marks only the beginning, with additional Changemakers to be recognized and added to the gallery in the future.
PJIA invited the honorees and their families to attend the ceremony for the unveiling. For Changemakers who are no longer with us, their families were invited to represent them and take part in the recognition of their legacy.
The unveiling proved to be an especially meaningful moment for the families and invited guests in attendance. Many expressed how deeply moved they were to see their loved ones honored in such a visible and lasting way, with their stories now becoming part of a space that can be shared with the wider community and future generations.
Family members also shared their gratitude with the PJIA team for creating a tribute that not only recognizes individual achievements but preserves the legacy and contributions of those who have played an important role in shaping Sint Maarten.
“Princess Juliana International Airport is part of the history of Sint Maarten, and we believe it is important that our airport also tells the stories of the people who helped build and shape our community,” said Michael Cleaver, Chief Executive Officer of PJIA.
“As we continue rebuilding and looking toward the future, we must never forget where we came from. These individuals have made a lasting impression on Sint Maarten and their contributions deserve to be recognized, remembered and shared with generations to come.”
The Gallery has also been incorporated into PJIA’s ongoing rebuilding efforts. With the walls already undergoing restoration, the airport was able to transform the space into a meaningful community tribute at minimal additional cost, demonstrating that creating lasting impact does not always require a large investment.
The project is being led by Naomie Mazzola, Consultant at PJIA, who emphasized the importance of giving the stories behind the faces a platform of their own.
“Every wall tells a story. For me, this one is about creating something our people can see themselves in, something that reflects where we come from, celebrates who we are today and reminds the next generation that they have a place in shaping where we go next.
This is only the beginning! As we continue refurbishing our existing spaces and building new walls, I’m excited to see how our gallery takes shape and grows into a true reflection of our history, our culture, our people and the stories that make us who we are.”
The Princess Juliana’s Gallery of Changemakers was officially unveiled today at Princess Juliana International Airport, on the wall near the Cargo Building along the road toward Maho.
The unveiling also marks the beginning of a wider storytelling initiative. In the coming weeks, PJIA will feature each Changemaker individually across its social media platforms, sharing their story and highlighting the difference they have made to Sint Maarten and/or Princess Juliana International Airport.
The public is encouraged to follow PJIA’s social media channels via: SXMAirport, to discover the stories behind the Changemakers and learn more about the people whose contributions have helped shape the island and its airport.
Through the Princess Juliana’s Gallery of Changemakers, PJIA continues to strengthen its connection with the community it serves while celebrating its history, recognizing those who contributed to it and ensuring their stories are carried forward for future generations.
