TEATT Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten.
POND ISLAND--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten has requested an urgent joint meeting with Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling, St. Maarten Police Force KPSM and the Prosecutor’s Office to discuss recent criminal activity and public-order incidents affecting key commercial and tourism areas.
The request follows public concern over the daylight armed robbery at a Front Street jewellery store on July 17, robberies targeting supermarkets and bars, and reports of recurring fights, unruly behaviour and firearm-related incidents in and around Kim Sha and the wider Simpson Bay area.
Heyliger-Marten commended KPSM for its targeted controls, firearm-related operations and the prompt arrest of a suspect following the Front Street robbery. “Our police officers continue to demonstrate commitment under challenging operational circumstances. Their efforts must be recognised and supported.”
The Minister stressed that the request should not be interpreted as a declaration that St. Maarten is unsafe or as confirmation that crime has increased overall without verified data.
She acknowledged, however, that recent incidents have become highly visible through social media. “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.”
According to the Minister, criminal activity in Front Street, Simpson Bay and Kim Sha can affect not only victims, but also businesses, employees, visitor confidence, investment and the country’s international reputation.
While responsibility for public safety rests with the justice authorities, she said it also becomes an economic and tourism issue when confidence in the destination is affected.
The proposed meeting will seek a verified assessment of armed robberies, firearm-related offences, public-order incidents and suspected repeat offending, including any involvement of minors and young adults.
Discussions will also cover measures to strengthen police visibility, enforcement and response in identified hotspots. Additional topics include the impact of detention-capacity constraints on the justice chain, youth firearm-prevention initiatives and opportunities for TEATT and the private sector to support training, mentorship and employment pathways.
Heyliger-Marten is also proposing greater coordination among businesses, nightlife establishments, private security providers, TEATT and the justice authorities, together with a responsible communication approach that informs and reassures the public without 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 said TEATT stands ready to support a coordinated response through engagement with businesses and tourism stakeholders, information-sharing and cooperation with the competent justice authorities. She has requested that the meeting be convened at the earliest possible date.
