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Bridge Capital begins reconstruction of bus shelters
Bridge Capital LLC officials led by CEO John K. Baldwin join Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang in one of the newly rehabilitated bus shelters. (Michael T. Santos)
Bridge Capital LLC officials and employees gathered Friday to celebrate the first of many school bus shelters that will be rebuilt by the investment company across the island.
“We’re making a commitment to do three in this village [Tanapag], but up to 20 on the island,” said Bridge Capital CEO John K. Baldwin.
Bridge Capital is an international investor that makes loans and invests projects in the United States, along with various other companies.
Established in 2004, Bridge Capital has worked generally on real-estate projects but has also been involved in agricultural work and others of varying kinds. “We are a lender and an investor in both regional and international projects where we see opportunity,” Baldwin said.
“I think the Marianas has gone through a very bad time over the last, say, 10 years. Now things are getting better and I think we really have a bright future. Bright for our people, bright for the children, and hopefully we can gradually bring in more opportunities in the future so that they [children] don’t actually have to leave the island if they don’t want to,” Baldwin explained.
When asked about any “bumps” in the road or any form of problem to derail their project, Baldwin happily replied with a no. “All procedures went smoothly and I can’t say we [Bridge Capital] had any form of issues that are worth mentioning.”
Also present during the ceremony was Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang. The mayor, who has been in office since 2015, has a strong passion for the rehabilitation projects on Saipan.
When asked about the treatment of bus shelters, Apatang replied, “I really appreciate what Bridge Capital is doing. Like the other companies on the island, they’re [Bridge Capital] taking the lead to help beautify kids’ shelters. I just called Bridge Capital one day to see if they could contribute with the shelters and they were more than happy to help out.”
Apatang wishes to simply continue maintaining bus shelters for children to allow proper and sanitary cover whenever children, or any pedestrian, wishes to take shelter from the rain or scorching heat. (Michael T. Santos)
