PHILIPSBURG:--- Nikhil Kukreja raises concerns about the decision to conduct road work repairs on the ONLY cruise ship day of the week.
The Department of VROMI's announcement on July 19, 2024, outlined plans for temporary repairs on AJC Brouwers Road in St. Maarten beginning on July 25, 2024. These repairs, intended to fix a section above a collapsed drain, will entail closing one lane for around six hours, from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm, with assurances of managing traffic flow effectively during this period.
What complicates this situation is that these repairs coincide with the arrival of the Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship accommodating up to 7,960 passengers and crew. This simultaneous occurrence has raised concerns among businesses about potential disruptions and their impact on the local community.
Nikhil Kukreja, a figure in the St. Maarten business community and UPP candidate #7 has highlighted the potential significant traffic disruptions caused by the road repairs, affecting residents, visitors, and businesses, notably those in the tourism sector. Drawing on his experience as a former board member of the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kukreja pointed out how these repairs compound existing challenges on the island, such as gun violence and infrastructure issues, which could further damage its reputation and have lasting economic repercussions.
With only 15 ships scheduled for July 2024 and already two cancellations due to adverse weather conditions, there are now questions about why the repairs were scheduled on the only cruise ship day of the week. This decision underlines the necessity for meticulous planning and coordination to ensure seamless operations and minimize disruptions for all involved.
Moreover, considerations for visiting guests wanting to explore destinations like Philipsburg or other parts of the island surface further emphasize the need for strategic planning to cater to the needs of both residents and visitors while undertaking essential infrastructure maintenance. Additionally, the potential inconveniences faced by visiting passengers missing their cruises due to delays highlight the importance of proper scheduling to ensure a smoother experience for all guests.
This scheduling conflict will not only impact all brick-and-mortar businesses but will also affect tour guides, such as buses and taxis, ATV tours, and various other excursions, who were anticipating the one day of the week when significant business activity was expected. In light of these concerns, Kukreja advocates for alternative strategies, suggesting that road works be conducted during late-night hours to minimize public inconvenience.
Emphasizing the importance of considering both the local population and visitors in decision-making processes, Kukreja stresses the need to balance infrastructure maintenance and supporting the island's vital tourism industry to ensure sustainable growth and prosperity for St. Maarten.
