Philipsburg/ Marigot: --- Cooperation is just a myth when it comes to marketing St. Maarten and St. Martin overseas. Ever since the French side obtained its status change and the Union Pour le Progres took office on July 15 2007, cooperation between the two sides almost seized to exist mainly with the two tourist offices. SMN News reported that in 2007 that first vice president Daniel Gibbs had stopped the joint marketing that same year when he refused to renew the rent contract for the New York Office. Gibbs had said back then that the only reason the contract was not renewed is that he had to wait on the COM’s budget. Gibbs had explained that it was costing the French side too much money to advertise in the United States with the Dutch side. The first vice president in his defense said the French side was paying half of the expenses for that office, which was over $300,000. Even though he had considered the joint marketing too expensive at no time did Gibbs say they would discontinue their joint marketing program.
When first vice president Daniel Gibbs vacated his position as president of the tourist office and Ida Zin-Ka Ieu took office she vowed that cooperation between the two sides would continue. Zin Ka Ieu had said she did not have any problem with the Dutch side and they were working together since she recognizes the need to do so. At the launching of the SMART, Zin Ka Ieu made remarks about the good relationship she had with the director of the Dutch side Tourist Office Regina Labega reasons why they would continue working together.
However, SMN News learnt that despite all the talks, smiles, and shake hands the French side is no longer working along with the Dutch side. The source said the French side on September 17 signed an agreement with Atout France (Tourism Development Agency Office) also known as Maison de la France that has an office in New York. This agency it is said is doing all marketing for the French side in the US market. However, Zin Ka Ieu is yet to officially notify her Dutch counterpart about the new arrangements the French side has. The EPIC President neither did first vice president Daniel Gibbs see it fit to discuss this with the commissioner of tourism from the Dutch side Frans Richardson, or tourism director Regina Labega.
During the signing it is said St. Martin would be paying Atout France some $395, 000 for marketing the island in the United States. Additionally St. Martin would be occupying an office at Atout France and would be paying $1000.00 monthly rent. The agreement that was signed mid September has to be renewed annually.
SMN News has been reliably informed that the French side did not pay their rents for the New York Tourist Office for almost eight months. It is also understood that the French side has removed their agent from the New York office. Several politicians and those in the tourism industry have said that both sides are now advertising St. Maarten/St. Martin independently and the French side would have to now increase their marketing budget since they are working on their own. There are questions as to how St. Martin plans to market itself as a Caribbean destination in a European Tourist Office.
One concerned resident, politician, and businessman said he wants to know if this is what article 74 means for the island, since the island is more divided than ever, the businessman is calling on Senator Louis Constant Fleming to say whether or not the status has anything to do with this or if it is a mission of the EPIC president.
