The primary function of the Department is to “formulate, implement, monitor and evaluate the socio-economic policies of the Island Territory of St. Maarten with the ultimate purpose of stimulating economic growth and development”.
As an island nation whose economy is based on one industry - tourism - it is of the utmost importance that every visitor - either virtual or real -- to St. Maarten has a positive and memorable experience. An experience that leaves you wanting more as you browse the web, just as you might want one or two days more at the end of your vacation stay.
The Control, Inspection and Security department ensures the execution of: Government’s policies and laws pertaining to Control and Inspection, Traffic exams, Safe and organized transportation of school children, Orderly division of taxi tours amongst taxi drivers while assisting tourists in general, Casino Controls confirm the Federal Ordinance regulating Gambling, Manned security of government buildings
In addition, the department gives administrative support to the Public Transportation Committee (PTC). The PTC is an advisory body that advises the Executive Council of St. Maarten on matters as it relates to the granting, altering, transferring, renewing or annulment of a license. Also, on matters pertaining to the transportation of persons by means of a motor vehicle, namely: Bus and Taxi, Operational rental permits, Permits for “Group Tours” and General Tours, Currently the Island Government has imposed a moratorium on the issuance of the above-mentioned permits.
The Control, Inspection and Security department is divided into four sections namely :
- Traffic, Transportation & Inspections (4 employees),
- Casino Control and Security (48 controllers and 26 security guards),
- Taxi Dispatching and School Bus Transportation (15 dispatchers and 1 school bus controller),
- Driving Examination (5 employees)
This section is responsible for two main functions: control and inspection.
Traffic controls occur primarily in the transportation sector, while regular controls are also carried out in the economical sector at bars and restaurants.
Traffic controls focus on whether a driver has proper documentation in order to operate or use the vehicle on public roads. Typically, traffic controls focus on the adherence to the Island Traffic Ordinance.
The Island Traffic Ordinance has been amended and includes the following changes as of August 1, 2007: Mandatory wearing of seat belts while driving a vehicle on the public roads. Children younger than four years are required to be seated in a child restraining car chair. The non-use of mobile/cellular phones while operating a vehicle on the public roads.
Economic controls focus primarily on bars and/or restaurants that pollute the air with noise (noise pollution). Thus the control of all establishments that may hinder the peaceful environment within neighbourhoods or the community at large. During such controls, controllers may also examine other permits relating to the establishment.
These inspections concern the evaluation of an establishment during the process of a permit request. Some areas taken into account include: The neighborhood, Room measurements, Sanitary Facilities, Parking, etc.
All permit requests are required to be published in the local newspapers prior to issuance thereof. This provides residents of the community with an opportunity to file an official protest. Inspectors also control this aspect.
The tasks of the Casino Controllers are to ensure that the stipulations of the Federal Ordinance regulating Gambling are enforced; and to control the conditions listed in the licenses for managing a gambling establishment. This is an operational task of the department that plays a vital role in controlling all aspects of gambling establishments.
The process of evaluating the current ‘Casino Control’ system along with other models is being researched. This will provide for a new strategic approach towards implementing the ordinance regulating gambling.
This section is responsible for the security of Government Offices; this includes primarily the Government Administration Building and the Census and Receiver Offices.
Inspectors within this section are all certified “Special Police Officers” and can therefore carry out visible and physical inspection on vehicles operating on public roads. If necessary, traffic fines can be issued to violators and inspectors are also authorised to remove violators’ vehicles from public roads.
Taxi dispatchers carry the responsibility of ensuring an orderly division of taxi tours amongst taxi drivers. They also assist tourists in general where necessary. Government Taxi dispatchers are stationed in three areas on the island:The A.C. Wathey Harbour, The Captain Hodge Square (Philipsburg), The Princess Juliana International Airport
In the event, there are more than four cruise ships anchored in the Great Bay Harbour, an additional dispatcher is placed at the peer at Bobby’s Marina.
All students on the island are guaranteed transportation to and from school. Government subsidizes the school busses and this system is controlled by inspectors within this section. All requests to operate (additional) routes are evaluated by this section
Contact Details Persons with complaints or questions can contact the department of Control, Inspection and Security during office hours at:
Tamarinde Steeg, Savance Bldg (The Yellow Building)
Philipsburg
St. Maarten
Telephone : (599) 542-4511 or (599) 542-4519
Fax : 542-3800
Email: cib@stmaarteneconomy.com
