Do the Dutch side’s annual mandatory business closures on St. Maarten/St. Martin Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day (see related story) still make sense? The question appears justified after this year’s exceptions for stores in Philipsburg.
The main reason for the latter is the presence of a combined 13 cruise ships on those dates. By staying open merchants can make some much-needed sales, which is good for the local economy.
In addition, it prevents disembarking passengers being confronted with a largely shut down shopping area in the country’s capital. This contributes to their on-island experience and possible return visits.
Besides, pharmacies (for the sale of medical items), bars and restaurants, hotels and guest-houses, stores inside resorts, the airport and the harbour, bakeries selling milk and/or milk product stations, gas stations and funeral parlours were already exempted. This puts other businesses including supermarkets at a disadvantage.
The idea is, of course, to promote families being able to celebrate these important holidays together, go to church, etcetera, in itself a noble effort. However, one has to ask to what extent this goal is still reached under the current circumstances.
Perhaps the best argument to do away with the practice is that working on these days is completely voluntary. Not only that, but those who do so must get paid extra by law, something many can no doubt use especially during the festive season.
What’s more, while the “Friendly Island” has become a popular tourism destination, there is plenty of competition in the region. The answer seems clear: It’s simply not worth the trouble.
