The yachting community may rest assured that a recent string of thefts from boats in Simpson Bay Lagoon is being taken very seriously.
On Thursday morning the St. Maarten Police Force KPSM hosted a meeting with the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard, Island Water World, Yacht Club Port de Plaisance, Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority (SLAC) and IGY Marinas.
That same morning a high-level encounter convened by Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling with, among others, Prime Minister Luc Mercelina and Saint Martin Prefet Vincent Berton present took place in Marigot. This was followed on Friday by one between the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard and French Gendarmes (see related story) to discuss details.
Tackling had announced during last Wednesday’s press briefing the urgent cross-border meeting. However, she did acknowledge that there is no treaty in place to allow “hot pursuits” of suspects by police over water between the Dutch and French sides of the island.
This drawback will be overcome by working closely together through coordinated and joint patrols, better communication between authorities, clear and efficient complaint procedures for stolen property, more cooperation with marina security, etcetera. Hot pursuits by the coastguard have been allowed, while aerial support is also planned for surveillance and tracing.
None of this guarantees it won’t happen again, of course, but the chance of culprits getting caught and the loot recovered should increase considerably. As the minister put it, these efforts send a clear message that there can be no safe haven for criminals in local waters.