Readers taking note of news from St. Eustatius of late might have gotten a bit concerned over the crime situation there. Tuesday’s paper alone mentioned an attempted break-in at the public library on Monday and a robbery near a barbershop on Sunday.
A victim also suffered injuries to the head and mouth during the armed assault. Thankfully, arrests were made in this case only two days later (see today’s related story), sending a no doubt welcome reassuring message regarding public safety.
It’s also good to learn that assistance for the first detention was provided by the Arrest Team of the St. Maarten Police Force KPSM on short notice. The latter speaks to the practical cooperation which still exists at that level.
Although Statia may now be part of the Caribbean Netherlands together with Saba, they are still St. Maarten’s sister islands with close historic, cultural, business and family relations. It was thus heartening to see such continued effective collaboration.
That is especially important when it comes to security, because all three to a large extent depend on tourism for their economic livelihoods. Law and order are paramount to the hospitality industry and keeping crime in check is therefore in their best common interest.
