The ST. MAARTEN MARINE TRADES ASSOCIATION represented by President (Mrs) Kass Johnson and Government Liaison Board Member Michael Ferrier met with Chief Commissioner of the St. Maarten Police Force, Mr. Peter de Witte and six of his top brass Police Management team today, March 01, 2011 at the Philipsburg Police Head Quarters to discuss actions to be taken by both the Private Sector and the Police in the wake of the brutal murder of a crew member of one of our visiting yachts.
Assisting to the meeting were Commissioner Carl John, Inspector Ricardo Henson, Chief Inspector (Mrs) Jacobs, Inspector Humphrey Gieterson and Inspector Richard York. While specific actions will not be divulged in the media, numerous issues as they relate to the security of our citizens and visitors were discussed.
Amongst them:
the issue of Gypsy Taxi’s, police visibility, added security presence on the "Simpson Bay Strip" running from Tropicana Casino down to Portofino Marina, the more intensive use of the Maritime Division of our local Police in close cooperation with the locally based contingency of the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard.
The SMMTA is extremely pleased with the response and follow up by the St. Maarten Police Force. It is obvious that Chief Commissioner de Witte and his team will leave no stone un-turned or resource untapped in their efforts to bring the culprit(s) of this heinous crime to justice. The SMMTA has offered to at its expense retain the services of CHECK MAT Security to add additional security patrols on the Simpson Bay Strip in an effort to support and expand the increased police surveillance of the area, especially with the influx of thousands of sailing enthusiasts, on island for the upcoming HEINEKEN REGATTA. The Police and the SMMTA take this opportunity to remind everyone to be vigilant and safe while having serious fun on our otherwise Friendly Island.