PHILIPSBURG--Incoming GEBE CEO and Transition Manager Thomas Roggendorf spent just over US $15,000 on a recent interview with “USA Today”, but maintained that the expense was within GEBE’s budget and aligned with efforts to support tourism and promote St. Maarten in the United States.
“The Daily Herald” enquired about a reported $20,000 expenditure for the interview, but learnt that the actual amount spent was $15,075. Roggendorf was asked whether he believed this was an appropriate use of company funds, given that GEBE is facing financial challenges. He was also asked what the purpose of the interview with “USA Today” was, how it benefited GEBE or its consumers, and why an international outlet had been prioritised over engaging with the local press at this cost.
In response to the questions, Roggendorf explained that the interview had been part of a broader initiative coordinated by the government and aimed at promoting St. Maarten to an international audience. “USA Today” reportedly was on-island to conduct interviews with government officials and selected public entities.
“Our shareholder informed us that ‘USA Today’ was visiting the island to interview both government representatives and specific public entities as part of an initiative to promote St. Maarten in the United States, reaching an audience of over 100 million readers. Promoting the well-being of our island is close to our heart, and boosting tourism directly supports this goal.
“With the article expected to publish around September or October, we gladly agreed to contribute, as increased tourism positively impacts GEBE, particularly when hotels and accommodations are operating at full capacity,” said Roggendorf.
He rejected the figure that “The Daily Herald” quoted (US $20,000), indicating that it had been “significantly lower” than $20,000 and aligned with GEBE’s budget.
In response to concerns about the choice to engage an international media outlet over local press, Roggendorf said GEBE does not favour international platforms over domestic ones.
“We consistently support local platforms, including ‘The Daily Herald’, through advertising and sponsored content,” he said.
