POINTE BLANCHE--Police held controls in front of Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities on Tuesday. With three large cruise vessels in port, police officers were stationed outside the facility with a tow truck ready to move gypsy taxi drivers who flock to the entrance on a regular basis.
According to the police, the officers were on site to keep a tight control on gypsy drivers who have caused disturbance and disruption at the entrance to the facility on many occasions.
Authorities believe the situation has gotten out of control because the entrance and exit to the facility had become blocked due to the illegal way in which these gypsy drivers park their vehicles. This situation will not be tolerated and police promise action against anyone who does not follow their orders during the controls.
In addition to the controls at the harbour, the Police Force has started intensification of general controls for the entire Dutch side of the island. More cruise vessels are arriving in port and more international flights are arriving at Princes Juliana International Airport SXM.
“This of course means that there will be many more people, mainly visitors, on a daily basis on the streets in Philipsburg and in areas frequently visited by tourists. There will be much more traffic on the roads, which may cause some traffic congestion, traffic backed up and delays,” police spokesman Chief Inspector Ricardo Henson announced on Monday.
The police are informing all drivers of motor vehicles to make sure their vehicles are in good working condition and that all documentation for the vehicles is in order. Drivers are also urged to make sure they are in possession of a legal and valid driver’s licence. All drivers and scooter/motorcycle riders should take keen note of this information to prevent any unnecessary inconvenience or delay if they are stopped by police during these controls.
Scooter and motorcycle riders should wear helmets when on the road.
“The presence of more ‘men and women in blue’ on the streets will definitely be noticed and felt,” Henson concluded.
