George Pelgrim

George Pelgrim, born on March 3, 1953, in Willemstad, Curaçao, was the fifth of seven children in a close-knit family. His parents, Otilio Pedro Pelgrim and Marie Matilde Hart from Bonaire, instilled values of harmony, humility, discipline, honesty, and respect in him.

Growing up in a low middle-class, Catholic neighborhood, George learned hard work early, earning money through jobs like yard cleaning and babysitting and playing in bands. He attended Radulphus College from 1972 to 1975.

At 19, George began his career as a ship boarding clerk with Curacao Trading Co NV (CTC). In 1975, he was assigned to CTC St Maarten NV to manage a fleet of 45 tuna fishing vessels for Curacao Pioneering Company NV (CPC), later Nichirei Carib NV, marking his immersion in Japanese business culture.

His three-month assignment in St. Maarten became permanent. Balancing fatherhood with his career, his three children eventually joined his organization.

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

In 1992, he co-founded INTERMAR in Miami but later sold his stake to focus on St. Maarten. In 2005, he acquired Nichirei Carib NV, including its freezers, properties, and warehouses.

In 2008, he began rebuilding properties purchased from Nichirei Tokyo, completing a new office complex and warehouse in 2011, dedicated to his late father. His companies employ between 110 to 125 people, supporting about 500 individuals on the island.

George passionately supports underprivileged children and families through various foundations. His daughters are exploring ways to support a new school for special needs children.

A former Rotarian board member, George upholds values of fairness and justice, abstains from alcohol and drugs, and relies on expert advice in finance, accounting, and legal matters.

Despite recent challenges, including personal losses and natural disasters, George retained all his staff and remains committed to helping others. His life and career reflect resilience, hard work, and the values taught by his parents, making a significant impact on St. Maarten.