Although St. Maarten was devastated by hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, our Marine Industry is progressing through the strength and commitment of our partners in the hospitality industry.
There are still some challenges; and some evidence of the disaster still remains. However, the government of St. Maarten remains committed to ensuring that, based on this experience, the disaster management component of the marine industry is revised to address the concerns of those within the industry.
For the new season, I am keenly aware that the residents and business operators look forward to welcoming the super and mega yachts back to St. Maarten in huge numbers. Thankfully, many of the exciting entertainment nightlife we offer to visitors and the bars and restaurants, along with other businesses, are being restored to complement the efforts made to redevelop the docks on the island.
We are well on the way to having the main terminal building at Airport SXM opened by the end of this month to accommodate the increase in passenger and aircraft arrival and departure for the season. This is important for the guests and crew on board the super and mega yachts, who often either wish to join you in St. Maarten or continue their journey to their final destinations via air.
We are also expanding and improving our FBO [fixed base operator] facility; and the plans for completion of US pre-clearance at the airport are progressing rapidly. Some of the challenges of the past, relating to documentation for entry into St. Maarten are presently being looked at by government to improve the way we manage Super and Mega Yacht arrivals and departures.
A step in the right direction, which we have already made, is ensuring that crew members requiring visas to enter St. Maarten, who carry the Schengen Multiple Entry Visas or the B1 and B2 Multiple Entry Visas, no longer need an additional visa. It is our goal to strengthen and improve the standard of service we provide and develop even greater relationships with local and international partners.
I must comment on the resilience of the members of the community and the many partners in the marine industry who have maintained their commitment and have been astounding throughout the recovery period. I am pleased to report that Isle Del Sol, Port de Plaisance and Palapa Marina are all operational. The Simpson Bay Marina is also functional; but for now, it only accommodates small vessels under 80 feet.
And our newest Marina Sky Port Marina will be opening with six slips, 140ft long, with mooring dolphins out to 200ft and a 16ft draft for the larger mega yachts in January. These are some of our initiatives and the reasons we continue to be proud leaders in the marine service industry.
The government and people of St. Maarten and the Ministry of Tourism will continue working to make every stay on our island a memorable experience.
