Three cruise ships are in port today, one of which until 10:00pm. It is extremely important that the island is ready to receive a growing number of passengers as the busy period gets underway.
Among many other things that apply to security, particularly at hot spots including the Philipsburg shopping area, also during the evening hours. Talk of a future Tourist Police is useful, but this regards the here and now.
It was therefore good to note an advisory issued by the Police Force of St. Maarten KPSM last week calling for caution as the high season approaches. Residents, visitors and transport providers were urged to exercise patience, plan ahead and remain alert to their surroundings.
That’s welcome advice, but authorities can certainly help. Near the end of September Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling announced increased police presence, preventive searches and joint operations involving several law enforcement agencies, following a series of robberies and other offences.
These were also meant to reassure the public. Positive results have since been reported in the newspaper.
While regrettable incidents will obviously still occur, the goal is to limit the risk. This remains crucial to visitor experience, which ultimately determines the success of any destination.
And it’s not just about crime. Traffic safety plays a role, for example on the road to Point Blanche, with massive container trucks and other heavy vehicles driving up and down to cargo harbour facilities on the same street along which hundreds of passengers disembarking the boats walk back and forth to town.
Halloween this Friday also signals increasing numbers of stay-over visitors in the months ahead. Here too, preparation is essential, so it was good to note a recent meeting between Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) and the St. Maarten Airline Handlers Association (SAHA).
For an island with a tourism company, all this may truly be called everybody’s business. Simply put, it’s what we do.
The guests are coming, ready or not. It’s showtime.
