Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my concern regarding the recent theft of concrete benches from Front Street, which has long been a popular hub for tourists and locals alike. These benches were more than just seating; they offered visitors a place to rest and take in the beauty of our town.
The removal of these benches not only impacts the aesthetic appeal of Front Street, but also compromises the comfort and convenience of the many tourists who flock here throughout the year. It is disappointing that such public amenities are being taken, and this raises questions about the level of security in such a busy and vital area.
These benches are not just public property but an essential amenity for the many visitors who stroll through Front Street each day. Their disappearance not only inconveniences the public but also undermines the safety and security of this bustling tourist hub. It is essential that local authorities act swiftly to investigate this matter, identify the culprits, and restore confidence in the community.
Front Street is a key part of our town’s identity and economy. We cannot afford to let petty theft diminish its appeal. I hope this issue is taken seriously and addressed with urgency.
I urge the law enforcement to review the surveillance footage, increase patrols in the area, and implement stronger deterrents, such as better lighting and more visible security measures, to prevent further thefts.
Front Street is a vital part of our town’s economy and identity, and we cannot allow these brazen acts of theft to continue. I hope action is taken before more of our public amenities are lost.
Concerned citizen
Name withheld at author’s request.
Dear Editor,
As St. Maarten prepares to host the prestigious FCCA Conference, welcoming top executives from the cruise industry, the condition of our boardwalk in Philipsburg has become a glaring issue. What should be a prime showcase of our island’s best has devolved into chaos, with problems extending beyond deteriorating infrastructure to unchecked and disruptive activities.
One of the most frustrating issues is the constant presence of cars on the boardwalk. Despite this being a pedestrian-friendly zone, vehicles continue to drive along it, endangering both locals and tourists. This reckless behavior is not only a safety hazard but a reflection of poor enforcement. The boardwalk should be a peaceful, scenic space where visitors can stroll, shop, and relax – without worrying about dodging cars. Allowing vehicles here undermines the very purpose of this promenade.
Adding to this disarray is the rise of aggressive vendors, often referred to as “barkers.” These individuals, some of whom operate without proper permits, harass tourists as they walk along the boardwalk or relax on the beach. Their overly aggressive sales tactics have scared many visitors, with some even choosing to avoid the area altogether. Tourism thrives on positive experiences, and when tourists are harassed, it can ruin their perception of St. Maarten and spread negative word-of-mouth, impacting future visits.
This problem is compounded by the fact that unauthorized beach bars and other businesses are popping up on Great Bay beach without permits. While entrepreneurship is vital to our economy, these illegal operations hurt legitimate businesses that follow regulations and pay for the right to operate. These unlicensed vendors and beach bar operators create a sense of disorder and contribute to an inconsistent visitor experience. Tourists don’t know who is legitimate and who isn’t, and the result is often confusion and disappointment.
The lack of control over who operates on our beaches sends a message that we are not serious about managing our tourism industry or protecting the livelihoods of those who play by the rules. It’s unfair to licensed businesses, and it also dilutes the overall experience for visitors, who expect a certain level of professionalism and quality when they visit our shores.
Perhaps the most visible issue on the boardwalk is the state of the space itself. Sand from the beach has blown over, covering nearly half of the walkway in some sections. This not only creates a messy and uninviting appearance but also makes it difficult for people to walk comfortably, especially for families with strollers or older visitors. This encroaching sand is yet another sign of neglect that could easily be addressed with regular maintenance.
These issues combined – cars driving on the boardwalk, aggressive vendors, unlicensed beach operations, and sand covering large portions of the walkway – create an impression of disorder, neglect, and poor planning. This is exactly what we don’t want cruise executives to see during the upcoming FCCA Conference. The event represents an incredible opportunity for St. Maarten to showcase its tourism potential. Cruise lines are essential to our economy, bringing millions of visitors each year, and their decisions about where to dock are increasingly influenced by the quality of their passengers’ experiences. Right now, our boardwalk doesn’t measure up.
With its cracked pavement, faded paint, and lack of enforcement on who uses the space, the boardwalk is failing to live up to its role as a central tourist attraction. This neglect also affects local businesses along the promenade – many of them small, family-owned operations that depend on the foot traffic from cruise passengers. When tourists avoid the boardwalk because it feels unsafe or inconvenient, these businesses lose out.
More broadly, the deteriorating state of the boardwalk reflects poorly on our island as a whole. Tourism is our lifeblood, and the FCCA Conference presents a prime opportunity to impress the decision-makers of the industry. We need to show that St. Maarten is not only a beautiful destination but one that takes pride in its infrastructure and ensures a safe, enjoyable experience for visitors.
The solutions to these problems are not complicated. First, we need stronger enforcement to keep vehicles off the boardwalk and prevent unlicensed vendors from operating. Second, regular maintenance of the boardwalk – clearing away sand, repairing damaged sections, and improving its overall appearance – must become a priority. Lastly, a zero-tolerance approach should be taken against aggressive behavior from barkers, ensuring that visitors feel safe and welcome in this space.
The boardwalk should be a shining example of what makes St. Maarten special, not a source of frustration for visitors and embarrassment for locals. By addressing these issues, we can restore the boardwalk to its former glory and ensure it reflects the pride, beauty, and hospitality our island is known for. With the FCCA Conference fast approaching, now is the time to act and ensure that we put our best foot forward.
The cruise industry is watching. Let’s clean up our act before it’s too late.
A concerned citizen of St. Maarten
Name withheld at author’s request.
Dear Editor,
During the 4-year tenure of the one-before-the-last government, the then VROMI Minister and his team decided to fix the constant drainage problem at the lowest part of Orange Grove Road in front of DIJTHAM. A beautiful ditch was dug out and a drain made out of poured concrete was built.
Dear Editor,
The former finance minister’s explanation sounds like he’s not interested in Mullet Bay for us. As a parliamentarian he should have retracted his words towards Mullet Bay.
Does he forget he’s representing the people and the majority of the people of all ages are wishing St. Maarteners could get Mullet Bay back and for it to be developed?
Cuthbert Bannis
Dear Editor,
World Mental Health Day, observed every 10th of October, serves as a vital reminder of the importance of mental well-being. This year, the theme emphasizes the relationship between mental health and labor, urging businesses and government organizations to prioritize the mental health of their employees. There is a critical need for employers to create supportive environments that promote mental health in the workplace. Such initiatives are not only essential for the well-being of individuals but are also crucial for enhancing the productivity and service quality of businesses.
The mental health of our employees is a cornerstone of a thriving community. When workers are mentally healthy, they are more likely to perform at their best, contributing positively to their workplaces and Sint Maarten’s economy. A positive mental health environment fosters creativity, enhances problem-solving skills, and boosts overall morale. Neglecting mental health can lead to increased stress, burnout, and absenteeism, which are detrimental to both employees and businesses.
Employers have a significant role to play in supporting their employees’ mental health. Implementing programs that focus on stress management, providing access to counseling services are crucial steps businesses and government organizations can take. Additionally, training managers to recognize signs of mental distress and equipping them with tools to support their teams can create a more compassionate and productive workplace.
Focusing on our employees’ mental health is not just a moral obligation but a strategic business decision. By investing in mental health initiatives, businesses and government organizations can cultivate a workforce that is not only happier but also more efficient and customer-oriented. Embracing this approach leads to a win-win situation for both employees and employers, fostering a healthier, more productive society.
Richinel Brug
Member of Parliament
