It was interesting to read about the “Fine Book” (see Wednesday paper) published by the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT). The amounts listed for various infractions in business operations and public transport seem rather modest as deterrent, but the intention is not to destroy people’s livelihoods in the event of relatively minor offences either.
Keep in mind that this only regards extraordinary police officers of the TEATT Inspectorate imposing fines without going to court, which is where more serious cases are likely to end up. It also does not concern health and hygiene violations, which fall within the scope of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA, while those of an environmental nature are handled by the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI.
To be sure, they frequently work in teams to conduct multidisciplinary controls, along with other authorities in different areas including fiscal compliance, immigration, etc. This kind of cooperation creates a tool for comprehensive and effective law enforcement, which ultimately benefits society.
TEATT’s fine book provides clarity for both parties involved in fine transactions regarding stipulated fixed amounts, preventing any confusion or favouritism. Best is obviously to have everything in order, so no reason exists to be fined in the first place.
The story mentioned “sale of alcohol to teenagers 16 or younger” but this was not entirely correct. That part regards unaccompanied admittance of children under 16 to places where alcoholic beverages are served; however, sale of alcohol to people less than 18 years old is strictly prohibited – as also stated in the next item of the book.
In fact, the legal drinking age was raised from 16 to 18 in the Penal Code since 2015 and a remaining discrepancy with the Permit Ordinance had been removed via amendment by 2019. It therefore bears repeating: Giving or selling alcohol to non-adults is not allowed in St. Maarten under any circumstances.
