Dear Editor,
As St. Maarten prepares to host the prestigious FCCA Conference, welcoming top executives from the cruise industry, the condition of our boardwalk in Philipsburg has become a glaring issue. What should be a prime showcase of our island’s best has devolved into chaos, with problems extending beyond deteriorating infrastructure to unchecked and disruptive activities.
One of the most frustrating issues is the constant presence of cars on the boardwalk. Despite this being a pedestrian-friendly zone, vehicles continue to drive along it, endangering both locals and tourists. This reckless behavior is not only a safety hazard but a reflection of poor enforcement. The boardwalk should be a peaceful, scenic space where visitors can stroll, shop, and relax – without worrying about dodging cars. Allowing vehicles here undermines the very purpose of this promenade.
Adding to this disarray is the rise of aggressive vendors, often referred to as “barkers.” These individuals, some of whom operate without proper permits, harass tourists as they walk along the boardwalk or relax on the beach. Their overly aggressive sales tactics have scared many visitors, with some even choosing to avoid the area altogether. Tourism thrives on positive experiences, and when tourists are harassed, it can ruin their perception of St. Maarten and spread negative word-of-mouth, impacting future visits.
This problem is compounded by the fact that unauthorized beach bars and other businesses are popping up on Great Bay beach without permits. While entrepreneurship is vital to our economy, these illegal operations hurt legitimate businesses that follow regulations and pay for the right to operate. These unlicensed vendors and beach bar operators create a sense of disorder and contribute to an inconsistent visitor experience. Tourists don’t know who is legitimate and who isn’t, and the result is often confusion and disappointment.
The lack of control over who operates on our beaches sends a message that we are not serious about managing our tourism industry or protecting the livelihoods of those who play by the rules. It’s unfair to licensed businesses, and it also dilutes the overall experience for visitors, who expect a certain level of professionalism and quality when they visit our shores.
Perhaps the most visible issue on the boardwalk is the state of the space itself. Sand from the beach has blown over, covering nearly half of the walkway in some sections. This not only creates a messy and uninviting appearance but also makes it difficult for people to walk comfortably, especially for families with strollers or older visitors. This encroaching sand is yet another sign of neglect that could easily be addressed with regular maintenance.
These issues combined – cars driving on the boardwalk, aggressive vendors, unlicensed beach operations, and sand covering large portions of the walkway – create an impression of disorder, neglect, and poor planning. This is exactly what we don’t want cruise executives to see during the upcoming FCCA Conference. The event represents an incredible opportunity for St. Maarten to showcase its tourism potential. Cruise lines are essential to our economy, bringing millions of visitors each year, and their decisions about where to dock are increasingly influenced by the quality of their passengers’ experiences. Right now, our boardwalk doesn’t measure up.
With its cracked pavement, faded paint, and lack of enforcement on who uses the space, the boardwalk is failing to live up to its role as a central tourist attraction. This neglect also affects local businesses along the promenade – many of them small, family-owned operations that depend on the foot traffic from cruise passengers. When tourists avoid the boardwalk because it feels unsafe or inconvenient, these businesses lose out.
More broadly, the deteriorating state of the boardwalk reflects poorly on our island as a whole. Tourism is our lifeblood, and the FCCA Conference presents a prime opportunity to impress the decision-makers of the industry. We need to show that St. Maarten is not only a beautiful destination but one that takes pride in its infrastructure and ensures a safe, enjoyable experience for visitors.
The solutions to these problems are not complicated. First, we need stronger enforcement to keep vehicles off the boardwalk and prevent unlicensed vendors from operating. Second, regular maintenance of the boardwalk – clearing away sand, repairing damaged sections, and improving its overall appearance – must become a priority. Lastly, a zero-tolerance approach should be taken against aggressive behavior from barkers, ensuring that visitors feel safe and welcome in this space.
The boardwalk should be a shining example of what makes St. Maarten special, not a source of frustration for visitors and embarrassment for locals. By addressing these issues, we can restore the boardwalk to its former glory and ensure it reflects the pride, beauty, and hospitality our island is known for. With the FCCA Conference fast approaching, now is the time to act and ensure that we put our best foot forward.
The cruise industry is watching. Let’s clean up our act before it’s too late.
A concerned citizen of St. Maarten
Name withheld at author’s request.
