PHILIPSBURG--From helping St. Maarten rebuild after Hurricane Luis in 1995 to contributing to major infrastructure projects, including the Great Bay breakwater, the A.C. Wathey Cruise Terminal, the Philipsburg Boardwalk and the rehabilitation of Princess Juliana International Airport’s runway, Windward Roads has been part of the island’s development for four decades.
Established in 1986, the company is marking its 40th anniversary by reflecting on its contribution to St. Maarten, the people behind its work and its plans for the next decade.
Windward Roads said it began by responding to the growing need for road construction and infrastructure on the island. Its roots, however, go back further, to a Dutch company that established operations in Curaçao in 1953.
Road construction and related infrastructure works were at the heart of the business when it started. While that foundation remains part of the company, its services have expanded considerably over the years.
Today, Windward Roads provides infrastructure and civil construction services, harbour and marine works, design and build projects, maintenance, and asphalt and concrete production. Its work also extends beyond St. Maarten to Saba, St. Eustatius and Anguilla.
Among the projects the company identifies as important milestones are the wastewater treatment plant on A.T. Illidge Road, the Great Bay breakwater, the A.C. Wathey Cruise Terminal, the Philipsburg Boardwalk, the Simpson Bay Causeway and the rehabilitation of Princess Juliana International Airport’s runway.
The company said its harbour and marine projects have also helped it develop extensive expertise in that field.
Asked about its proudest achievements, Windward Roads said it was difficult to single out one project. Instead, it pointed to the presence of its work in everyday life across St. Maarten, from roads and drainage to the airport, harbour and public spaces.
Helping the island rebuild after Hurricane Luis also holds a special place in the company’s history.
However, its contribution goes beyond the physical infrastructure. Windward Roads currently employs around 100 people, including skilled field workers and staff in engineering, project management, operations and administration.
The company also works with numerous subcontractors who earn their income through its projects. It said that, together with their families and the wider network depending on the work, Windward Roads helps support the livelihoods of thousands of people.
In his anniversary reflections, Director Michiel Witteveen highlighted the dedication of the company's employees and the importance of teamwork.
“To me, it represents the dedication of everyone who has been part of Windward Roads. I am grateful to lead a company with such a strong history and such a visible connection to the islands. This anniversary is an opportunity to thank the people who came before us and the team carrying that work forward today,” he said.
Witteveen said one of the biggest lessons he had learnt from leading the company was the importance of people working together.
“Good results depend on good people working together. A project rarely goes exactly as planned, so listening to the team, taking responsibility and being willing to find another solution matter enormously.”
He also expressed pride in the loyalty of employees, noting that several long-serving members of staff are celebrating 35 years with the company this year.
“I am most proud of how dedicated our people are to Windward Roads. Their commitment makes us who we are today. We have many long-serving employees, with several celebrating 35 years with the company this year alone. That loyalty and dedication mean a great deal to me,” Witteveen said.
Over the past four decades, Windward Roads has faced challenges associated with working on an island, including limited space, the logistics of sourcing materials and equipment, and keeping vital areas accessible while construction is underway.
Hurricanes have also tested both the company and the wider community.
The company said it has learnt to adapt and find solutions suited to the islands where it operates. It credited its people, the trust of its clients and its willingness to adapt for helping it remain in business for 40 years.
Its work is guided by five core values: reliability, quality, being solution-oriented, togetherness and courage. Windward Roads wants to continue developing the skills of its employees while delivering infrastructure and construction projects for St. Maarten and the surrounding islands.
The company sees opportunities in resilient infrastructure, drainage, airport and harbour works, civil construction, and more sustainable ways of building and operating.
Witteveen said he envisions Windward Roads remaining a trusted partner in the development of the Leeward Islands over the next decade.
“I see a company that remains a trusted partner in the development of the Leeward Islands: investing in its people, embracing better and more sustainable methods, and taking on infrastructure challenges that matter most to our communities.”
As the company marks its 40th anniversary, it is also recognising the generations of employees, partners and clients who contributed to its history, from its earliest crews to the people working on projects today.
In a message to employees, Witteveen expressed gratitude for their hard work, knowledge and pride in their work. “Thank you. Forty years of Windward Roads is the result of your hard work, knowledge and pride in what you do. Whether you have been with us for decades or have just joined, you are part of this story. I hope we can celebrate what we have built together and look forward to what we will build next.”
He also thanked St. Maarten for giving the company the opportunity to work on the island, grow its business and provide a livelihood for the 100 families who are part of its team. “Finally, we also want to thank St. Maarten for giving us the opportunity over the past 40 years to work on the island, grow our company and provide a livelihood for the 100 families who are part of our team. We are grateful for the trust and support we have received, and we look forward to continuing to build together.”
For Windward Roads, the anniversary is not only a look back at four decades of construction projects, but also recognition of the people whose work has helped shape the company and the islands where it operates. Its message after 40 years is summed up in its slogan: “Let’s build happiness together.”
