PHILIPSBURG:--- Building local expertise is central to Kadaster St. Maarten’s vision for the future. This vision took another leap forward as three of its team members completed the Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Surveying from The Survey School in the United Kingdom —an internationally accredited program that combines advanced classroom instruction with fieldwork in modern surveying practices.
The two-year diploma program, recognised by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and The Survey Association (TSA), combines classroom instruction with extensive fieldwork in control surveys, topographic work, setting out, and data management.
This international achievement underscores Kadaster’s ongoing investment in staff professional development and its commitment to strengthening local expertise in land surveying and management.
“Although the previous director started this trajectory, we are all proud of the three members with their achievements,” said Benjamin Ortega, Managing Director of Kadaster St. Maarten. “As Kadaster advances to new and innovative technologies, it remains important that the foundation of every development be rooted in education. No progress without education, that was one of the powerful statements made during the graduation ceremony, and it remains the fundamental principle of innovation and progress.”
Ortega further emphasised Kadaster’s focus on fostering collaboration and opportunity for young people in St Maarten: “As part of our strategic plan, Kadaster aims to expand collaboration with partners locally and abroad. We hope to create more opportunities for young men and women to explore careers in land management, including surveying, GIS development, and drone technologies. Investing in our students and future professionals is an obligation toward the future of Sint Maarten.”
For the three graduates, the experience was both challenging and transformative.
Alexander Carty described the journey as “an adventure that started two years ago when our director and team saw our potential and believed in our growth.”
He added, “The learning curve was steep, but the experience taught us to think differently and solve problems creatively, lessons we now bring home to improve surveying across the Caribbean.”
Alexander Marlin reflected on the difficulty and reward of completing the program:
“Coming from Sint Maarten, where we don’t have local training in surveying, finishing this course was a big deal. It taught me discipline, responsibility, and the value of precision. And yes, the cold UK fieldwork was a shock for us Caribbean boys — but we showed we could do it!”
Jonathan Charles, who serves as Operations Manager, noted the broader perspective gained through the training:
“This program deepened my understanding of the importance of human skill in an increasingly technological field. It reminded me that behind every advanced instrument, the knowledge and judgment of the surveyor make all the difference.”
Kadaster extends its congratulations to the three newly certified surveyors and looks forward to integrating their knowledge and experience into the organization’s ongoing modernization efforts.
