SLAC's closure of their office during the Emancipation Day Holiday on Monday meant that vessels would not be able to officially clear in or out of the Simpson Bay Lagoon, by way of paying their bridge and harbor fees, and thus would need to stay on the French Side at Marina Ft. Louis or out at anchor to be able to keep to their schedules – which often is dictated by weather windows or owner and/or charter guests; unfortunately the weather forecast for this period was unfavorable forcing the vessels to return to the French side ports, and not the Dutch side.
The SMMTA is very disappointed by SLAC's sudden decision to not open on Monday July 3rd and compares this act to the Princess Juliana Airport being closed on Christmas or New Years. "The SMMTA and its membership understand the importance of Emancipation day and supports Government's decision to make this historical day a national holiday. That being said, a Government N.V. charged with operating the only Dutch-side access point to the Simpson Bay Lagoon should not unilaterally decide to close their offices regardless of what the holiday may be or its historical significance. When we want to be home celebrating Christmas with our families the Airport employees don't get to close the runway and go home because thankfully the airport management understands the far reaching effect that would have on the St. Maarten economy as a whole. All we are asking is that the management of SLAC be mindful of how they affect the economy of the St. Maarten by their actions." Stated Brian Deher, President of the SMMTA.
Mr. Deher went on to say "The marinas and other marine related businesses on the island go to great efforts to attract and keep vessels on St. Maarten in order to extend the season, including dropping rates and fees by well over 50% during the summer months. It is extremely discouraging to have to then deal with issues, such as the office closure last Monday, that are internally generated by the Government entity [SLAC] that is supposed to be our partner in helping to grow the marine industry, and thus the economy of St. Maarten."
The SMMTA stated that they hope that through increased communication and transparency with all stakeholders, especially SLAC, that they will be successful in making the necessary changes to existing policies and procedures in order to better promote the marine industry on St. Maarten while collectively looking out for pitfalls that could hamper the industry and thus negatively affect the St. Maarten economy and the livelihood of many of its residents.