PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament (MP) Lyndon Lewis has called on the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunications (TEATT), Mrs. Grisha Heyliger-Martin, to take immediate action to restore order and prevent illegal public transportation at key tourist hotspots. He warned that such activities could lead to unacceptable behavior, including violent altercations, which tarnish the island's reputation.
A troubling video surfaced yesterday showing a physical altercation outside the harbor, reportedly stemming from a heated dispute over transporting tourists. MP Lewis strongly condemned such behavior by individuals who represent St. Maarten’s tourism industry. He urged the Minister of TEATT to enforce stricter regulations and establish clear conditions to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Additionally, MP Lewis suggested that collaborative initiatives be implemented in partnership with the Minister of Justice to organize joint enforcement operations with police officers. He emphasized that this alarming video should serve as a wake-up call for immediate action rather than waiting for a more severe incident to occur before responding.
Failure to act now could have dire consequences, including a decline in our country's reputation and a potential economic crisis. The tourism sector is the backbone of our economy, and any negative perception could deter visitors, ultimately affecting businesses and livelihoods," MP Lewis stated.
He reiterated the urgent need for proactive measures to protect the integrity of St. Maarten’s tourism industry and ensure a safe and welcoming environment for visitors.
MP Lewis remains committed to advocating for policies that safeguard the country's economic stability and uphold its international standing.