Monuments and Memories of Mullet Bay – Interview with Rachael Geerlings (Progressional People Caribbean)
Todays’ islander highlight is that of Rachael Geerlings of Progressional People Caribbean, one of the island’s best known human resource consultancies. “PPC” is located in an office with a commanding view over Philipsburgs Great Bay on top of famous local (and visitor) hotspot Chesterfields.
As “St. Maarten” as that setting might feel, the scope of operations is wider. Geerlings: “As a dedicated HR consulting firm, our work goes beyond the island shores. We currently have projects on St. Maarten, St. Eustatius and Bonaire”.
She loves the diversity of company assignments. “In one week I can deal with job descriptions, strategic advice and a new hire for a company.”
Focus on results drive her. That also matters when it pertains to her hobby, but in a wholly different way: seeing artistry result in something beautiful from scratch. Whereas Geerlings might be goal oriented in a more linear way in her work, art is not about that: “I love arts and crafts, decorating. I can spend hours in a hobby store.”
On St. Maarten And Geerlings
Beyond results in work and art, there is also time for contemplation once in a while. She has her favorite spot for that. “There is a cliff over Mullet Bay Beach. I used to go there to sit and reflect.”
It is adjacent to her favorite beach. “Mullet Bay was the first beach I went to the day after I arrived on the island 42 years ago. It also happened to be my birthday that day. This beach will always hold a special place in my heart.”
This beach visit was shortly after she arrived from her native country Suriname. Her fondest memory is adjusting to the local dialect, “S’Maatin English” as a child – a challenging difference from the Surinamese “Sranan Tongo” and Dutch she was used to.
Visitor Tips Beyond Mullet Bay
When to advise an island activity to the many visitors of St. Maarten, doing a boat tour comes to mind – a coincidence that her beloved Mullet Bay often is part and parcel of such tours? The Concordia or border monument is a must see when it pertains to history, according to Geerlings. “A symbol of historical island division, and of unity at the same time”. A borderless perception of the island is also reflected in her choice of event of the year – St. Martin’s day, with binational ceremonies around that same border monument.
Her favorite restaurant recommendations are not pointing far from the same border crossing at Bellevue. “Roma is my favorite restaurant in the Maho area. In Simpson Bay, I choose Top Carrot. It’s just so comfy in there”. For her favorite drink however, a move to Grand Case is required: “Espresso martini…only Spiga on the French side makes it best.”