POND ISLAND – Acting Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) and Minister of Justice Cornelius de Weever, on behalf of Ministry TEATT and the Ministry of Justice, wishes to inform the general public that soliciting is prohibited by law.
This includes any misconduct, intrusiveness and harassment in any form, in order to advertise, sell, barter, negotiate a good or service against the wishes of any person.
“Our country is at a very delicate stage in this post-Irma period, and therefore, we have to protect the economy and the image of the destination.
“During my recent visit to Seatrade Cruise Global, I was informed about concerns from the travel trade with respect to harassment by visitors to our country.
“The cruise travel industry is a very competitive sector and the cruise passenger experience once analyzed by cruise line management, determines the itinerary of a cruise ship. Safety and security are key determinants as well whether a destination will be included in a ship’s itinerary.
“When the cruise experience of our visitors are at stake; and as a Government, we must guarantee security and safety for all, Government has decided to take a stern approach to protect the people’s livelihood, of businesses, and to protect our economy from situations that could endanger the good image of the country.
“Those who use individuals that are in contravention of the national laws of the country that governs soliciting will be dealt with accordingly to the law. The same can be said to individuals who are caught soliciting in different parts of the country and on beaches,” Minister Cornelius de Weever said on Tuesday.
The Government of Sint Maarten has taken a zero tolerance policy against soliciting, and therefore, effective immediately the Ministries will be conducting a joint operation to deal with this persistent issue.
In this regard, the Ministry TEATT in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice will be taking specific actions and or sanctions against those who fail to comply.
Sanctions may include fines, license/permit revocation and incarceration.
Persons who would like a vending license should contact the Department of Economic Licenses at the new government administration building located on Soualiga Boulevard.
