Philipsburg:--- Commissioner of police Carl John and police spokesman Ricardo Henson met with members of the business community and the United Task Force against Crime (UTFAC) and representatives from Chamber of Commerce on Thursday to discuss some of the measures police would be taken this holiday season. Those attending the meeting were Damu Ratwani from the Indian Merchants Association, Steven Huang from the Chinese Association, Jadira Veen and Clarence Richardson from UTFAC with Ludwig Quinche and Anne Meyers from Chamber of Commerce.The police force assured that they will be implementing their Zero Tolerance policy as of Friday December 10th island wide.
Ratwani expressed concerned about the lack of sufficient lightening on both Back and Front Streets, while he praised police for doing more to protect the business community during the evening hours and holiday season. Businesses he said will be able to open until 9pm this holiday season while extra security throughout Philipsburg and other areas will be available until 10pm. Stores will be allowed to open on Friday's until 10pm, beginning on December 10th until December 24th.
Merchants are asked to make sure they deposit their monies by 9pm to avoid robberies. The business community were also urged to have proper cameras and additional lighting to protect themselves from criminals.
The UTFAC urged residents and visitors of St. Maarten to make sure they have at all time their identification cards with them so that police can easily identify the people they come into contact with. The UTFAC said they do not want to see letters from people in the newspapers complaining that they were detained for the lack of identification. "People they said need to act responsibly as it is required by law for citizens to identify themselves to law enforcement. Holiday shoppers are asked to look out for the pick pocketers who normally work overtime in crowded areas during rush hours. Shoppers are also urged to beware of their surroundings at all times. Parking for holiday shoppers will be on the Ring Road sand on the Pondfill where additional security will be up until10pm.
