George Pelgrim, Sint Maarten based entrepreneur

George Pelgrim, Sint Maarten entrepreneur, was born on March 3, 1953, in Willemstad, Curaçao, the fifth of seven children in a close-knit family. His parents, Otilio Pedro Pelgrim and Marie Matilde Hart, originally from Bonaire, worked hard to support their family—his father as a Customs Officer and his mother as a homemaker. Both parents, now deceased, instilled values of harmony, humility, discipline, honesty, and respect for others in their children, principles that have guided George throughout his life and career.

Education and Early Work Experience

Growing up in a low middle-class Catholic neighbourhood, George learned the value of hard work early on. To earn spending money, he took on jobs such as yard cleaning and babysitting, and during his teenage years, he played in bands to support himself. After completing high school, he attended Radulphus College in Curaçao from 1972 to 1975.

Career Beginnings

At 19, George began his career as a ship boarding clerk with Curacao Trading Co NV (CTC), a subsidiary of the Ceteco Group in the Netherlands. In 1975, he was assigned temporarily to CTC St Maarten NV, where he managed a fleet of 45 tuna fishing vessels for Curacao Pioneering Company NV (CPC), later renamed Nichirei Carib NV. This assignment marked the beginning of his immersion in Japanese business culture and ethics.

Family and Personal Life

George’s initial three-month assignment in St. Maarten became a permanent residency. He played an active role in his children’s upbringing, balancing his responsibilities as a father with his growing professional commitments. Today, all three of his children work within his organization.

Entrepreneurial Ventures and business growth

In 1985, after 13 years with CTC St Maarten, George founded two companies: Caribbean International Maritime NV (INTERMAR) and St Maarten Shipping & Stevedoring NV (SSS). Starting with just four employees, he built his business from the ground up, securing major accounts in the maritime industry.

Expansion and Acquisitions

In 1992, George co-founded INTERMAR in Miami, USA, but sold his stake a few years later to focus on his commitments in St. Maarten. A significant milestone came in 2005 when he acquired Nichirei Carib NV, a subsidiary of Nichirei Japan, including all its freezers, properties, and warehouses, based on a handshake agreement built on mutual trust and respect.

Rebuilding and Growth

In 2008, George undertook the ambitious project of rebuilding the office and properties purchased from Nichirei Tokyo. The new office complex and warehouse, completed in 2011, were dedicated to his late father. Today, his companies employ between 110 to 125 people, supporting the livelihoods of approximately 500 individuals on the island.

Philanthropy and Community Support

George is passionate about supporting underprivileged children and families. He actively contributes to various foundations, including Forever Blessed Foundation, K1 Britannia, and local sports foundations. His daughters are exploring ways to support a new school for special needs children.

Values and Ethics

A former Rotarian board member, George upholds values of fairness and justice. He maintains a disciplined and gentle lifestyle, abstaining from alcohol and drugs, and relies on expert advice in finance, accounting, and legal matters to guide his business decisions.

Challenges and Resilience

The past years have been particularly challenging for George, marked by the loss of his mother, two brothers, and close friends. In 2017, Hurricane Irma devastated the INTERMAR and Nichirei buildings, and in 2018, a fire severely damaged Nichirei’s warehouse and offices. Despite these setbacks, George retained all his staff and continues to look forward with optimism and a commitment to helping others.

Legacy and Impact

George Pelgrim’s life and career are testaments to resilience, hard work, and the enduring values taught by his parents. His contributions to his community and dedication to his family and business continue to make a significant impact on the island of St. Maarten.