The St. Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA) seems relatively upbeat about the immediate future of this important segment of the local tourism economy (see Tuesday paper). Despite the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma, the industry has not lost any significant entrepreneurial establishments except Captain Oliver’s Marina in Oyster Pond.
What’s more, it turns out no permit is needed for owners to salvage their sunken vessels as government had required at the time, apparently plus the use of a certain operator. Along with the refusal to allow a barge quickly brought in from The Bahamas following the island’s worst natural disaster to start working due to faulty paperwork, these demands supposedly slowed down the sector’s revival and contributed to the many leftover wrecks.
It was good to read that SMMTA worked with Simpson Bay Lagoon Corporation (SLAC) to ensure all navigation channels, regardless of past differences between these two key organisations to the marine business. Especially after such a huge blow it’s essential that all relevant noses are pointed in the same direction.
Particularly for the mega-yacht owners who often fly in on private jets, the general aviation FBO facility no longer having to accommodate commercial traffic as needed to be done in the first phase of the airport’s recovery is a major factor. The shifting of some business to other Caribbean islands was nevertheless acknowledged, but with the firm commitment to “get it back.”
It will indeed take lot of combined effort, but “The Friendly Island” is potentially still a popular boating destination with the ability to reassume its position among regional leaders in the field. Let’s go for it.
