Consulate warns Americans to be careful when visiting Sint Maarten

The American consulate in Curaçao has called on American citizens visiting Sint-Maarten to be vigilant on Thursday. The warning is mainly for public events, such as the demonstrations held in connection with the parliamentary elections taking place on August 19.

According to the consulate, there is an increase in criminal activities on the island, and Americans have to be extra careful in the neighborhood Dutch Quarter. There were riots in the area on Sunday night in which residents turned against the police after a large-scale check for guns. The police have now been given additional powers to check for weapons in the neighborhood.

The consulate also advised being alert on the streets at night, not bringing attention to yourself, and avoiding large groups of people and demonstrations.

Grisha Heylig-Marten, minister of Tourism, economic affairs, Transport, and Telecommunications in Sint-Maarten, said there is no reason to panic. She referred to the fact that the official travel advisory has not changed and called on residents to stay away from violence.

“If we damage our reputation as ‘Friendly Island,’ we will endanger our whole economy,” said the minister. ‘Friendly Island’ is the nickname used on license plates on the island. Sint-Maarten is largely dependent on tourism, with a part of that being from the United States.