PHILIPSBURG: --- St. Maarten’s economy is deeply intertwined with the vibrant energy of its tourism sector. The friendly faces of our people, the beauty of our shores, and the safety of our streets are the pillars upon which our national prosperity is built. However, a recent and alarming wave of robberies is casting a dark shadow over our island, posing a direct threat not just to public safety but to the very economic lifeline of our country.
As Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten expressed grave concerns over the spate of crimes targeting Philipsburg, local supermarkets, and, most disturbingly, multiple hotels. This is more than a series of isolated incidents; it is an economic crisis in the making that demands an immediate and unified response from every corner of our community.
The Economic Ripple Effect of Crime
When a visitor chooses St. Maarten, they are investing in an experience—one of relaxation, enjoyment, and security. Every crime committed against a business, a resident, or a tourist erodes that promise. The consequences are far-reaching and can unravel the economic fabric that supports thousands of jobs and families across the island.
The immediate impact is the trauma inflicted upon victims. Hotel employees and business owners are left to cope with the fear and stress of these encounters, while visitors who experience or witness crime carry those negative memories home. This generates a powerful, damaging form of word of mouth that can deter future travelers far more effectively than any marketing campaign can attract them.
Beyond the human cost, these criminal acts weaken investor confidence. Entrepreneurs and international partners think twice about bringing their capital to a destination perceived as unsafe. This hesitation stalls development, limits job creation, and slows the progress we have worked so hard to achieve. As Minister Heyliger-Marten stated, this poses a direct threat to our only economy.
A Direct Appeal to End the Violence
In a recent address, Minister Heyliger-Marten issued a powerful and direct message to those responsible for the robberies, urging them to consider the devastating consequences of their actions.
"This must stop," she stated firmly. "You are not only destroying your own future—you are damaging the future of the entire country. When you walk into a business or hotel with a weapon, you traumatize workers, frighten visitors, weaken investor confidence, and directly endanger our only economy."
The Minister’s appeal cuts to the heart of the issue: the shortsightedness of these destructive acts. For anyone who believes crime is a means of survival, the message was unequivocal: "You are taking food off everyone else’s table. When tourism stops coming, it is over for St. Maarten." It is a stark reminder that the well-being of every resident is connected to the health of our tourism industry. The call for perpetrators to "do better" is not just a plea, but a challenge to recognize their role and potential within the community they are harming.
A Shared Responsibility: A Call to Action
Curbing this threat cannot be the sole responsibility of the government or law enforcement. Protecting our nation's future requires a collective effort from every segment of society. Minister Heyliger-Marten outlined a three-pronged approach where businesses, families, and the community at large must play an active role.
For the Business Community
While business owners are the victims in this situation, they are also on the front lines of defense. The Minister urged the business community to take additional precautions, not as an admission of fault, but as a necessary step in today's climate. Simple yet effective measures can make a significant difference.
Ensuring all security cameras are fully operational and positioned for clear visibility is crucial. Improving lighting around premises, particularly at entrances and parking areas, can deter criminals. Finally, maintaining heightened vigilance during opening and closing hours—times when businesses are most vulnerable—is essential. Protecting staff and customers must now be a shared priority.
For the Community at Large
The root of crime often lies closer to home than we think. As the Minister noted, "Crime does not begin with government; it starts at home." This is a powerful call for introspection and action within our own families and social circles.
It is a call to talk to our sons, nephews, cousins, and friends. We must have the difficult conversations about right and wrong, about the long-term consequences of short-term gains, and about the collective damage these actions inflict. We must help our young men understand that a path of crime leads not to prosperity, but to the destruction of opportunities for everyone, including themselves.
Protecting St. Maarten Together
The Police Force of St. Maarten continues to work tirelessly to apprehend those responsible and maintain order. Their efforts are commendable, but they cannot succeed in a vacuum. The old saying, "It takes a village to raise a child," can be extended here: it takes a village to protect a nation.
Every resident has a stake in St. Maarten's safety and success. By fostering a culture of accountability, vigilance, and open communication, we can create an environment where crime cannot flourish. Let us come together to safeguard our people, our visitors, and the tourism economy that sustains us all. Our future depends on it.
