A ceremony was held at PJIA last Friday where the “Gallery of Changemakers” was unveiled, which honours several community members and their contributions to St. Maarten.
AIRPORT--Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) has unveiled a new Gallery of Changemakers honouring individuals whose contributions have helped shape St. Maarten, and in some cases, the development of the airport itself. The gallery was officially unveiled on September 4 on a wall near the Cargo Building along the road towards Maho.
Part of the wall decorations
The project was led by PJIA consultant Naomie Mazzola, who said the gallery is intended to give greater attention to the stories behind the individuals being recognised. “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,” Mazzola said.
The initiative aims to preserve and highlight the stories of people recognised by PJIA for their leadership, service, vision and contributions to the island. An internal PJIA committee selected the inaugural group of Changemakers based on the lasting impact they have had on the island and its community.
The airport said the initiative will continue, with additional individuals expected to be recognised in the future. Honourees and their families were invited to attend the unveiling ceremony. Families represented Changemakers who have passed away.
PJIA CEO Michael Cleaver said the initiative was intended to ensure the airport’s own history remains connected to the wider history of St. Maarten. “Princess Juliana International Airport is part of the history of St. Maarten and we believe it is important that our airport also tells the stories of the people who helped build and shape our community,” Cleaver said.
He said the airport’s ongoing rebuilding process provided an opportunity to create the gallery while restoration work was already being carried out. “As we continue rebuilding and looking toward the future, we must never forget where we came from,” Cleaver said. “These individuals have made a lasting impression on St. Maarten and their contributions deserve to be recognised, remembered and shared with generations to come.”
According to PJIA, the gallery was incorporated into the airport’s existing rebuilding efforts, with the walls already undergoing restoration. The airport said this allowed the space to be transformed into a community tribute with minimal additional cost.
PJIA plans to introduce the individual Changemakers to the public through its social media platforms in the coming weeks. The airport will share their stories and highlight their contributions to St. Maarten and/or PJIA. The airport said the gallery is the beginning of a
broader storytelling initiative aimed at connecting its present development with the people and history behind it.
