It might seem like a rather trivial matter with everything that’s been happening, but the initiative reported on in today’s paper to organise a fireworks display in Simpson Bay Lagoon for New Year’s Eve is
not without significance. After all, St. Maarten is known as a fun destination and these types of attractions help maintain that reputation.
In recent years the only such shows on the Dutch side accessible to the public were at Great Bay and Maho Beach. This usually leads to quite a bit of traffic congestion near midnight, as motorists scramble to get there in time.
The envisioned third option can alleviate the latter problem, but would be important for businesses located around the lagoon too. Especially the bars/restaurants for years have watched many of their patrons leave at the height of the celebrations to go see one of the displays.
As is the case with the existing two locations, if the idea becomes reality the fireworks for Simpson Bay/Cole Bay will be lit from a floating barge in the water. This is not only safer for obvious reasons, but allows spectators on land to have an unobstructed view.
Readers should keep in mind that adding something “new and fresh” periodically to the product offered to vacationers is most welcome, especially for an island characterised by a lot of repeat guests who have pretty much seen and done it all. It gives them something else to look forward to and talk about also when planning their stay, creating interest among others in the process.
It must be said, St. Maarten’s ranking at number seven in USA Today’s recent best Caribbean nightlife spots poll (see Monday edition) was a bit disappointing , while the French side even fell outside of the top 10. The “Friendly Island” must try to do better and providing visitors with more “bang for their buck” in terms of excitement is perhaps one way to help accomplish that.
