On Thursday December 12th representatives of the Police Department held a meeting with partners and stakeholders such as, Department of VROMI, Department of Economic Affairs, the Harbor and Cruise Facilities, Coastguard and Down Street Business Community Council and Association at the Philipsburg Police Head Quarters.
This meeting was in connection with the very busy Holiday Season and for the preparation of the arrival of the 8 cruise ships that will be in port on Wednesday December 18th from 08.00 a.m. through 06.00 p.m. On that day Sint Maarten will be visited approximately 30.000 persons arriving by cruise ship.
There will be a lot of extra traffic on the roads and rerouting of traffic and road closures in the Philipsburg area. Front and Back street will be close for motor vehicle traffic. The alleys (stegen) in Philipsburg leading from the Boardwalk/ Great Bay Beach to Back street will be cleared. No vehicles will be allowed to park in those alleys until Front and Back street are opened for motor vehicle traffic. This measure is to insure that emergency vehicle (in case of any emergency) can enter and exit the Philipsburg area without any difficulties. It is advised to use the Ring road for parking during this period.
The Coast Guard will visibly be patrolling all bays and territorial waters. There will be ships that will be anchored in the Harbor and their will be a lot of tenders trafficking in Great Bay Harbor. A lot of focus will also be on the Jet Ski users and Jet Ski Rental operators.
The Walter Plantz Pier will also be used by the tenders to drop off cruise passengers in that area where the Down Street Business Community Council and Association would have organized the area for reception of the visitors.
Police presence will also be seen in the Philipsburg area and beaches on the Dutch Side of the island and in the areas where large number tourists will be present.
A follow-up meeting is scheduled for Tuesday November 17th to finalize all preparations. The public is urged to pay very close attention to this information and to take all necessary precaution to avoid any unnecessary inconvenience.