SIMPSON BAY:--- The Sint Maarten Marine Trades (SMMTA) has taken note of the zoning plans for Simpson Bay and the Simpson Bay Lagoon presented by Government at the public hearing of February 25th 2014 in which major changes to the area are projected. This plan addresses the physical heartland of the yachting industry which in turn constitutes approximately 15% of the economy of Country Sint Maarten. While the SMMTA understands that this is a Zoning Plan and not a Development Plan, we feel strongly that the St. Maarten Government needs to slow down this process to better understand and take into account the needs and concerns of the Simpson Bay community and all other stakeholders, including the marine industry, before moving forward.
The SMMTA wishes to point out that this zoning concept is being developed in the absence of any short or long term plan for the yachting industry. There is much concern as to why an industrial development like a cruise facility and pier for fueling mega yachts would be proposed in what is predominantly a residential area; especially when the Simpson Bay community has strongly voiced their opposition to the development concept proposed.
Sint Maarten is fortunate to have a significant yachting industry that in many respects is the envy of competing islands and countries; however, this volatile industry, in which high quality employment and extensive economic impact is presently being gained, is complicated and diverse and has specific needs that are often overlooked. The future of the yachting industry on St. Maarten is highly dependent on how Country St. Maarten cultivates and protects the island's natural resources and competitive advantages. Physical planning options must be closely tied to the type of future that is envisaged for the industry; the SMMTA is of the opinion that at this time there is no plan in existence with a specific mandate for safeguarding and fostering the yachting industry. The SMMTA strongly advocates that a plan for the yachting industry be created with input from all relevant stakeholders prior to Government finalizing the development plan for Simpson Bay.
SMMTA Press Release
