POND ISLAND-- Tourism and Economic Affairs Minister Stuart Johnson has thrown his support behind Philipsburg Promotional Board (PPB) and its project “Christmas 2018 – Philipsburg Alive After Five.” The project entails lighting up parts of Front Street including around the Courthouse, Cyrus Wathey Square, and Boardwalk Promenade.

  The objective seeks to motivate residents and tourists to visit the town and encourage afternoon shopping and dining. The first phase of the lights is to be installed by December 1. Two other phases should be completed early December.

  Applauding PPB’s initiative, Johnson appealed to the business community in Philipsburg to contribute as the initiative will bring more people into town during the festive season which will have a spin-off for all businesses in the area.

  “Every entity, organization or business with a stake in Philipsburg has a responsibility to contribute to Christmas 2018 – Philipsburg Alive After Five,” said Johnson in a press statement on Monday. A similar experience is planned by St. Maarten Tourist Bureau and Port St. Maarten under the banner “Season Celebration” to entertain cruise passengers.