The circulating video showing a physical altercation outside the harbour last Tuesday sparked reactions by two Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the coalition and opposition ranks (see Thursday newspaper). Vita Kotai (DP) and Lyndon Lewis (NOW) issued separate press releases calling for enhanced security measures.
Their concern is understandable. It has become a custom for persons to hang around near the gate and offer passengers coming out their services. As long as they do so in a tactful and respectful manner this won’t cause any problems, but that is not always the case.
Although most of those involved tend to realise bad behaviour could affect their own future business and act accordingly, there are always some who may go too far. Without judging this particular incident, it seems self-regulation among these vendors in the sense of keeping each other in line is lacking.
Police are probably too busy to constantly guard the entrance, so one suggestion is to engage the Volunteer Corps of St. Maarten VKS. Another is to strictly enforce rules regarding public transportation of tourists, which was apparently behind the dispute.
There were no fewer than five cruise ships in port that day, so the importance of this matter must not be underestimated. Harassment of guests is a common threat and has hurt many destinations in the recent past.
The real solution lies in a long-discussed waterside footpath directly from the terminal into Philipsburg. This will prevent thousands of visitors on a daily basis from having to walk to and from the down-town shopping area along Juancho Irausquin Boulevard, a major traffic hazard also due to shipping container trucks driving back and forth on that road to the cargo facility at Point Blanche.
All relevant parties should make a firm commitment to finally realise these plans that can improve both the safety and experience of cruisers to no small extent. There is not one more season to lose.
