The William Marlin Cabinet did the right thing when it authorised Port of St. Maarten Group of Companies shareholder representative Minister Mellissa Arrindell-Doncher to appoint temporary directors after CEO Mark Mingo’s detention in the Emerald case (see related story). She in turn acted proactively by meeting with the Supervisory Board and reaching out to stakeholders, in particular the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), to reassure them.
The first passenger ship since the arrest is due today and it’s very important that things keep running smoothly for the benefit of the entire island and its tourism economy. There’s a need to make crystal clear that the destination remains fully “open for business” as normal.
Although Government should generally stay “at arm’s length” from its companies, in such emergency situations a bit more direct involvement is understandable. Ultimately visitors provide the livelihood of practically all inhabitants, so it can be considered a matter of national interest.
Port St. Maarten says it’s not a suspect. However, the latest developments do again raise questions about, for example, the botched “Zebec deal” that ended up costing US $10 million for a settlement, covered with a short-term loan from Social and Health Insurances SZV.
Justice must be allowed to run its course for now, while those in charge continue doing the necessary damage control.
