PHILIPSBURGS:--- Philipsburg, the heart of St. Maarten and a hub for tourism, has become a glaring symbol of neglect and incompetence. Once a vibrant and welcoming destination for visitors, the Boardwalk and Great Bay Beach now stand as a testament to the failure of leadership from the Ministry of VROMI, led by Minister Patrice Gumbs Jr., and the Ministry of TEATT, under Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten. The filth, broken infrastructure, and lack of basic amenities are not just an eyesore—they are a public health hazard and a stain on the island’s reputation.
A Beach of Broken Promises
Great Bay Beach, a prime attraction for hundreds of tourists daily, has become a minefield of broken glass and debris. Visitors, who come to enjoy the pristine sands and turquoise waters, are instead leaving with slashed feet and bitter memories. The sand, now mixed with remnants of broken beer bottles and other trash, is a direct result of the absence of functioning garbage bins. The old bins, with their rusted and broken bottoms, are no longer fit for purpose. Yet, despite reports that new bins are already on the island, Minister Gumbs Jr. has failed to act. The delay in placing and maintaining these bins is inexcusable and reeks of complacency.
A Boardwalk in Ruins
The Boardwalk, once a lively promenade showcasing the best of St. Maarten, is now a shadow of its former self. Sand from recent ground seas has overtaken the area, blending with trash and broken glass to create a hazardous environment. Tourists and residents alike are left to navigate this mess, wondering why the government has turned a blind eye to such a critical issue. Neglect is not just unsightly—it’s dangerous and damaging to the island’s economy, which relies heavily on tourism.
Garbage Contracts: A Comedy of Errors
Adding insult to injury, the recent bidding process for garbage contracts has been marred by incompetence and controversy. Basic procedures were reportedly ignored, prompting complaints from contractors and prompting the Ombudsman to intervene. Instead of resolving the issue efficiently, the Ministry of VROMI, under its inept Secretary General, has decided to rebid the contracts. This delay only exacerbates the garbage crisis, leaving residents and visitors suffering the consequences of bureaucratic mismanagement.
Potholes and Perilous Roads
As if the garbage and filth weren’t enough, the state of St. Maarten’s roads is another glaring failure. Huge potholes litter the island, turning every drive into an obstacle course. For residents, visitors, and drivers, these roads are not just an inconvenience; they are a safety hazard. The lack of maintenance and repair is yet another example of the government’s inability to address basic infrastructure needs.
A Call for Accountability
The people of St. Maarten deserve better. Tourists, who contribute significantly to the island’s economy, deserve better. The current state of Philipsburg and the broader island is a direct result of poor leadership, a lack of accountability, and a failure to prioritize the community's needs. Ministers Patrice Gumbs Jr. and Grisha Heyliger-Marten must step up and take immediate action to address these issues. The time for excuses is over.
St. Maarten cannot afford to let its reputation continue to deteriorate. The garbage bins must be placed and maintained without further delay. The Boardwalk and Great Bay Beach must be cleaned and restored to their former glory. The roads must be repaired to ensure the safety of all who traverse them. Anything less is unacceptable.
The people of St. Maarten are watching, and they are tired of empty promises. It’s time for action—real, tangible action that puts the needs of the island and its people first. Anything less is a betrayal of the trust placed in those elected to lead.
