PHILIPSBURG:--- As a member of Parliament and a concerned citizen of St. Maarten, I feel compelled to speak out about a pressing issue threatening our island's very fabric—our rising crime rate. I have said it before, and I will repeat it: We are on the brink of destroying our tourism products, and if we don’t act swiftly, the consequences will be dire.
The safety of our people, both residents and tourists, must be our top priority. Our tourism industry, which is the backbone of this island’s economy, is under siege. Visitors come to St. Maarten for its beauty, warmth, and welcoming atmosphere, but more and more, we’re hearing of violent incidents and robberies that have shaken their confidence. This is a serious problem that can no longer be ignored. If we allow this to continue, we risk tarnishing everything we’ve worked for over the decades.
The clock is ticking, and every moment we delay puts our future at risk. We cannot afford to be reactive any longer. It’s time to act decisively and without hesitation.
Though the recent murders took place on the French side, St. Maarten is one island, and we are one people.
St. Maarten has worked incredibly hard to establish itself as one of the top tourist destinations in the Caribbean, and it’s a reputation we’ve earned. But we could lose it all if we don’t take these concerns seriously. Our island will no longer be the safe, thriving place that tourists flock to; instead, we will become just another destination to be avoided due to safety concerns.
This is not just a matter of politics. This is a matter of survival. If we don’t get a handle on this crisis now, the long-term effects will be catastrophic. Our economy, which relies so heavily on tourism, could be irrevocably damaged. I am calling on the government to take immediate, bold action to restore safety to our streets and confidence to our visitors.
We must take a stand or risk losing everything we’ve built. The people of St. Martin deserve to feel safe in their homes, and tourists deserve to feel secure when they visit. The stakes are too high for complacency. It is time for action, Minister. We need to address this problem now—before it’s too late. Parliament and government, as well as our counterparts, need to dialogue on and find a remedy to reduce the crime rate in our country.
Let’s work together to ensure that St. Maarten remains the vibrant, welcoming, and safe destination it has always been. The future of our island depends on it.
