Yet another violent robbery Saturday in Philipsburg (see related story) should serve as a wakeup call for authorities and others concerned. The capital has a serious security issue particularly after sundown, when it turns into a virtual ghost town.
Just about a month ago the Philipsburg Promotional Board (PPB) presented plans to bring life back to the downtown shopping area also during the evening hours. However, unless people feel reasonably safe that’s just not going to happen.
While several individual businesses such as restaurants on Boardwalk Boulevard that open at night have security and there are surveillance cameras, public areas remain vulnerable to crime. Police have intensified patrols but – with limited resources – can’t be everywhere all the time.
Curaçao was faced with the same problem in Willemstad years ago. Merchants of Punda then united to set up the Downtown Management Organisation (DMO) with its own 24/7 security corps.
The initiative cost them some money, but most will now say this was worth it. The guards patrol inner-city streets nonstop on foot, bicycle, Segway, etc, so very little escapes them.
In St. Maarten the harbour company might want to get involved as well, especially considering current efforts to promote homeporting and overnight cruises. A relatively safe Philipsburg would seem to be an important ingredient for both.
