The arrest of a 17-year-old boy with a pistol (see related story) just one day after a gun was found in the prison has renewed concerns over the proliferation of firearms in St. Maarten. Several recent shootings as well as holdups or attempts thereto have caused people to feel less secure, although the “red-handed” capture of three robbers in Cole Bay almost in the act last Friday was somewhat reassuring.
The perception of public safety is obviously important to any country, especially a travel destination with a one-pillar tourism economy. Police, while structurally understaffed, know this very well and act accordingly to the best of their limited ability.
While the island being divided into Dutch and French sides with an open border plus the many beaches, bays and inlets makes effectively controlling what comes in quite a challenge, more appears to be needed in this area. One obvious measure would be to use a modern container scanner at the cargo port at Pointe Blanche so it at least becomes less easy to smuggle contraband among legitimate imports.
However, much depends on the community too. A “stop, drop and go” campaign to get weapons off the street was held not that long ago and afterwards residents were urged to report cases of suspected continued illegal arms possession, but very few answered the call.
In a small society people are often reluctant to tell on their neighbours, friends, relatives, etc., but not doing so is ultimately at the cost of others, including possibly even themselves. It’s a matter of national interest.
