PHILIPSBURG:--- Arch Road, once a bustling hub of nightlife and entertainment, is now a shadow of its former self as businesses grapple with a surge in nighttime crime. Club patrons and their vehicles have become frequent targets of attacks and vandalism, leaving business owners frustrated and fearful for their livelihoods.
One local businessman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, painted a grim picture of the situation. "Our customers are being attacked, their cars are being broken into, and when we call the police, we’re told it’s pointless to arrest the culprits because the jail is full. Within days, they’re back on the streets," he said, his voice tinged with frustration.
The businessman expressed his growing disillusionment with the authorities, suggesting that the lack of action is forcing some to consider taking matters into their own hands. "If we defend ourselves, maybe then the authorities will find space in the jail. But why should it come to that? We’re being hounded by the tax office, our assets are being seized, and yet the government can’t even provide a safe environment for us to operate."
The impact of the crime wave extends beyond the immediate safety concerns. Business owners are also facing bureaucratic hurdles that stifle their ability to grow or even maintain their operations. The businessman pointed to delays at the Ministry of VROMI, where building permits are reportedly being held up without explanation. "We can’t expand, we can’t improve, and yet the Minister responsible still enjoys the confidence of Parliament. It’s baffling," he lamented.
The situation has left many business owners feeling abandoned by the very government they help sustain through taxes. "We’re expected to replenish government coffers, but what are we getting in return? Nothing but crime, red tape, and indifference," the businessman said.
The businessman also called on the St. Maarten government to think outside the box and explore creative solutions to address the overcrowded prison system. "If the great USA didn’t have space for their prisoners but found space in other countries, why can’t we? The government needs to negotiate with neighboring countries to house inmates. And if politicians traveled less and gave up their daily travel allowances, they’d find the money to truly run this country," he asserted, emphasizing the need for bold leadership and fiscal responsibility.
As the situation worsens, the call for immediate and decisive action grows louder. Business owners are urging the government to prioritize public safety, streamline bureaucratic processes, and provide the support necessary to revive the once-thriving Arch Road. Without intervention, the area risks becoming a ghost town, leaving behind shuttered businesses and a community in despair.