Today’s news that what some called a “border conflict” between the Dutch and French sides at Oyster Pond has been diffused (see related story) is most welcome. While details on the way forward are still being worked out, for now parties appear to at least have buried the proverbial hatchet.
The latter is important not just for the business directly involved, but because having a good understanding remains essential on a small island shared by two nations with an open border. Moreover, visitors who drive the tourism economy very much see it as a single destination and behave accordingly.
Of course, the long-standing territorial dispute itself has not yet been resolved. However, it was again agreed to maintain the status quo pending negotiations between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Republic of France.
Especially when it comes to law enforcement, practical cross-border cooperation is crucial to provide the necessary security and public safety for residents as well as guests. That was never stopped, but it’s obviously not helpful when the highest authorities don’t see eye to eye.
For Captain Oliver’s, the latest developments mean work on its marina probably can resume soon, although there could still be some changes to the building permit and construction method. However, proprietors should be able to continue executing their plans within the current water-rights limits.
Perhaps the halted project with European funding for a joint sewage plant in Cole Bay will also be revived, because that too is in the long-term general interest. All in all, “The Friendly Island” hopefully has closed this less pleasant chapter of what, over the years, decades and centuries, has been a shared history characterised by excellent local Dutch/French relations to the benefit of both sides and their respective populations, which may indeed be considered one community.
