Of paramount importance

Of paramount importance

The island’s marinas have been filling up with yachts, cruise calls including for homeporting are increasing, Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) is receiving more commercial flights and parking for private jets will soon be at a premium. There can be little doubt that the busy period is ahead and looks relatively promising, although not quite at pre-pandemic levels yet.

Along with badly needed income, this brings some of the usual inconvenience such as bigger traffic jams, crowded supermarkets etc. Most will agree that is a small price to pay for reviving the dominant tourism industry economy after 18 months of unprecedented coronavirus-related socioeconomic crisis.

But the recovery remains vulnerable, with a still-very-real COVID-19 threat and many questions about the new Omicron variant first detected in South Africa left unanswered. Recent developments in Europe have led to sharpened entrance testing demands including for vaccinated travellers, but current conditions in parts of St. Maarten’s main market bear watching too.

While fully vaccinated visitors from North America no longer need to get tested since November 1, this is obviously monitored on a consistent basis. The US in any case now requires a negative test within 24 hours from all arriving – so also returning – passengers.

These are very uncertain times, when in addition to people’s health their livelihood must also be protected. The most effective way to do that is by vaccinating and – where applicable – taking the booster shot, as well as sticking to the relevant safety measures and precautions.

This may rightly be considered a make-or-break-it season for the entire destination and keeping the local situation under control continues to be of paramount importance.

The Daily Herald

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