SIMPSON BAY - According to the planning in the work schedule, there will be a bridge opening for maritime traffic on Sunday June 28 at 6.00pm. The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority will announce when the bridge will resume its scheduled daily regularly opening hours for maritime traffic early next week depending on the progress made with the current repair works.

The St. Maarten Marine Trades Association introduced the new 2009-2010 Board members to the general membership on Thursday evening, May 28th 2009 at the association's Annual General Meeting, which took place at the St. Maarten Yacht Club.

The 2009 Annulal General Meeting which took place on Thursday, May 28th 2009 inevitably focused on the severe decline being experienced by the local marine industry. In his opening speech the association's President Jeff Boyd said "The world is not hurting Sint Maarten, this decline is due to Sint Maarten hurting Sint Maarten" when referring to the 20% declines the local marine industry is experiencing whilst other Caribbean territories remain relatively unaffected. Members pointed out the high occupancies on the French side compared to the low occupancies on the Dutch side and agreed with determination that the SLAC and its exorbitant fees were the singular cause of the dramatic downturn.

On December 23, 2008, the Netherlands Antilles Minister of Justice and Foreign Affairs in Curacao, reversed his decision to end on December 31st the yacht crew visa waiver program.
This came after much prompting and negotiating by members of the SMMTA Board, including a trip to Curacao to make a presentation to the Ministry and regional Consular officials, as well as intervention with the Minister by the Lt. Governor of St. Maarten.

Click here for details on the Visa Waiver Program.