GREAT BAY--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten will meet with ATV tour operators and representatives of the Ministries of VROMI and Justice this week to address growing concerns about road safety, traffic obstruction and the routes used by organized ATV excursions.
The Minister announced the planned consultations during Wednesday's Council of Ministers briefing, describing the discussions as long overdue and emphasizing that tourism-related business activities must operate in a manner that respects the safety and mobility of other road users.
ATV tours have become a popular tourism attraction on St. Maarten, providing economic opportunities for tour operators and other businesses connected to the industry. However, Heyliger-Marten said their economic contribution does not eliminate the need to address concerns about how these excursions use public roads.
Among the issues to be examined are traffic obstruction, the suitability of certain routes, safety and security considerations, and the requirements governing both ATV operators and participants.
The Minister emphasized that the country's roads serve multiple purposes and must accommodate residents traveling to work, parents transporting children to school, public transportation providers, emergency vehicles and visitors exploring the island.
No single commercial activity, she said, should unnecessarily compromise the safety or mobility of others.
The upcoming discussions are intended to bring the relevant parties together to identify practical solutions and examine whether improvements to the rules governing ATV operations are necessary.
Heyliger-Marten stressed that the initiative should not be interpreted as an attempt to discourage tourism entrepreneurship. Rather, the government wants operators to succeed while accepting the responsibilities associated with conducting business on public roads.
She also indicated that other tourism activities of a similar nature would be addressed in the coming weeks.
Beyond ATV operations, the Minister issued a broader appeal to motorists to exercise patience and consideration as St. Maarten continues to experience traffic congestion, including during traditionally slower periods.
She specifically highlighted dangerous overtaking, blocking intersections, refusing to give way and other reckless driving practices that can worsen traffic conditions and endanger lives.
Although frustration with traffic delays is understandable, she emphasized that such frustration cannot justify placing other road users at risk.
The Minister called on drivers to respect traffic regulations, exercise restraint and recognize that public roads must be shared responsibly.
The planned consultations will provide an opportunity for government and ATV operators to examine how tourism activities can continue to contribute to the economy without undermining road safety, traffic flow or the daily movement of residents.
