Philipsburg- The Governor of the Island Territory of St. Maarten, Mr. Franklyn Richards, reminds the general public that Tuesday, November 11 (St. Maarten's Day) is an official holiday.
In keeping with the Law on Shop closure (Publication Sheet 1969, nr. 58), all places of business must be closed on that day. This includes all stand alone casinos, which are also expected to close on St. Maarten's Day.
By decision of the Executive Council, taken on January 13, 2004, it was decided that the Executive would not deviate from adhering to the law on shop closures on days such as St. Maarten's Day and that absolute respect for this national holiday should be taken into account.
As result of the decision of the Executive Council, again reaffirmed by decision of February 10, 2004, no exemptions are granted for business establishments to be opened on St. Maarten's Day.
The aforementioned is not applicable to certain businesses mentioned, i.e.:
- Pharmacies, as far as it concerns the sale of medicines and medical products;
- Bars, restaurants;
- Hotels and guesthouses;
- Stores located in hotels, on airport premises;
- Funeral parlors;
- gas stations and
- bakeries selling pastries, milk and milk products
By decision of the Executive Council, shops located at the A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo facilities, including those forming part of the Harbor Point Village, are exempted from the law on shop closures. The same applies to those shops located at the Princess Juliana International Airport.
In other words, shops located at the A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo facilities and shops located at the Princess Juliana International Airport are added to the exemption list and are also allowed to remain open on St. Maarten's Day, when the law on shop closures, is applied.
The general public, operators of business establishments in particular, are further advised to additionally bear in mind that all of the aforementioned will also be applicable later this year, on occasion of the official holiday of Christmas Day (December 25).
