Leadership is more than personal success—it’s about creating a lasting legacy of integrity, resilience, and service.
As a Sint Maarten entrepreneur, George Pelgrim has built his journey on values instilled in him by his family. He believes in using his experiences to inspire others and uplift the community.
Lessons in Leadership
At 19, Pelgrim began his professional journey as a ship boarding clerk in the Port of Willemstad Curacao. This role introduced him to the maritime industry—a sector that would define his career.
In 1975, he was assigned to St. Maarten to oversee a fleet of Japanese tuna fishing vessels. Initially a temporary role, this assignment exposed Pelgrim to Japanese business culture, which emphasized respect, trust, and long-term vision.
Marigot, Saint Martin town skyline in the Caribbean. “What started as a three-month posting became permanent. St. Maarten quickly felt like home, and I embraced the opportunity to build a life and career rooted in this vibrant community,” he says.
Building Businesses with Purpose
By 1985, Pelgrim was ready to pursue his entrepreneurial vision. He founded Caribbean International Maritime NV (INTERMAR) and St. Maarten Shipping & Stevedoring NV (SSS) with just four employees.
Starting a business from scratch required determination, but Pelgrim remained guided by the values of fairness and integrity. Over time, these principles allowed his ventures to grow into key players in the maritime industry.
A significant milestone came in 2005 when Pelgrim acquired Nichirei Carib NV, a subsidiary of a major Japanese corporation. The deal, built on trust and a handshake agreement, demonstrated the power of mutual respect in business.
Navigating Challenges with Resilience
Leadership often requires weathering storms—both literal and figurative. Hurricane Irma in 2017 devastated St Maarten and part of Pelgrim’s businesses, and a fire in 2018 severely damaged critical facilities.
Despite these setbacks, Pelgrim made the decision to retain all employees. “For me, leadership is about standing by the team during difficult times and ensuring stability for the people who rely on me.”
Rebuilding the damaged properties was not just a business decision but a statement of resilience. By 2019, Pelgrim dedicated the new office complex and warehouse to his late father, O.P. Pelgrim, honouring his values.
Giving Back to the Community
“Business success is only meaningful when it contributes to the greater good. I am passionate about supporting underprivileged children and families through organizations like Forever Blessed Foundation ,K1 Britannia and Golden Age Foundation. I believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed and sees this as a priority for the community.”
Philanthropy, for Pelgrim, “is not just an obligation—it is a way to live out the values of service and compassion my parents instilled in me.”
The Ethics of Leadership
As a leader, Pelgrim strives to uphold fairness and justice in all decisions. His approach has been shaped by his experience as a former Rotarian board member, where he learned the importance of ethical leadership.
“I rely on expert advice to guide my financial, legal, and operational decisions. Staying informed ensures I can lead my organizations responsibly and with transparency.”
Success, in Pelgrim’s view, “is not measured solely by profit but by the positive impact on the people and communities served.”
Pelgrim’s journey has been one of growth, resilience, and service. As he looks to the future, he remains committed to fostering opportunities for young leaders in Sint Maarten, which is “a land of opportunity, resilience, and hope,” he concludes.
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