Heyliger-Marten requests urgent meeting on crime in tourism areas

GREAT BAY--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten has requested an urgent joint meeting with Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling, the Police Force of St. Maarten and the Prosecutor’s Office to discuss recent criminal activity and public-order incidents affecting several of the country’s main commercial and tourism areas.

The Minister has asked that the meeting be convened at the earliest date on which all parties are available.

The request follows heightened public concern after the daylight armed robbery at a Front Street jewelry store on July 17, robberies targeting supermarkets and bars, and reports of recurring fights, unruly behaviour and firearm-related incidents in Kim Sha and the wider Simpson Bay area.

Heyliger-Marten said the meeting should provide a current and verified assessment of armed robberies, firearm-related offences, public-order incidents and suspected repeat offending, including any involvement of minors and young adults.

The discussion is also expected to address immediate measures to strengthen police visibility, enforcement and response in identified hotspots.

The Minister commended KPSM for its continued targeted controls, firearm-related operations and the prompt apprehension of a suspect following the Front Street robbery.

“Our police officers continue to demonstrate commitment under challenging operational circumstances. Their efforts must be recognized and supported,” the Minister stated.

Heyliger-Marten stressed that the meeting request should not be interpreted as a declaration that St. Maarten is unsafe or as confirmation of an overall increase in crime without verified data.

However, she acknowledged that recent incidents have become highly visible, particularly through social media, where videos and reports can circulate locally and internationally within minutes.

“The speed at which information is shared online has changed the impact of an incident. What happens in one location can be seen around the world almost immediately. While this can heighten public concern, those concerns cannot simply be dismissed. They must be addressed with verified information, clear communication and coordinated action,” Minister Heyliger-Marten said.

Front Street, Simpson Bay and Kim Sha are among St. Maarten’s most visible commercial and tourism areas. Criminal activity in these locations can affect not only the immediate victims, but also businesses, employees, visitor confidence, investment and the country’s international reputation.

While public safety falls under the responsibility of the justice authorities, the Minister said it also becomes an economic and tourism concern when business activity, employment and confidence in the destination are affected.

Other matters proposed for discussion include the effect of detention-capacity constraints on the justice system, youth firearm-prevention initiatives and opportunities for TEATT and the private sector to support training, mentorship and legitimate employment pathways.

The Minister is also seeking greater coordination among businesses, nightlife establishments, private-security providers, TEATT and the justice authorities.

This would include a responsible communication approach that keeps the public informed and reassured without minimizing legitimate concerns or compromising active investigations.

“This is not about assigning blame, creating panic or interfering with the work of the justice authorities. It is about ensuring that the relevant authorities have a shared understanding of the situation and a practical plan to protect our residents, businesses, visitors and economy,” the Minister stated.

TEATT said it is prepared to support a coordinated response through engagement with businesses and tourism stakeholders, appropriate information-sharing and practical cooperation with the competent justice authorities.

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