PHILIPSBURG - The Inspection Department of the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) and the Public Prosecution Service will be intensifying their cooperation in addressing the most common economic and passenger transport violations.

 

Violations in passenger transports

It has come to the attention of the Inspectors at TEATT and the Public Prosecution Service that owners of passenger transport services are operating without the required license. Furthermore, technical requirements that serve the interests of passenger safety are not always met. The inspectors have also noticed taxi and bus drivers hindering traffic when stopping to pick up passengers, sometimes even at roundabouts.

 

Economic violations

When operating a business, establishments need to have a business license. Such a license is personal and not transferrable. The Inspectors at TEATT and the Public Prosecution Service have noticed that many business owners do not adhere to these requirements. Illegal vending is also increasing.

 

Together with the Inspection Department, the Public Prosecution Service has developed a fine-book for the most common economic and passenger traffic violations. TEATT Inspectors will increase their inspections in the coming weeks, to ensure the legal requirements are being met. The fines are for first-time offenders only. The Public Prosecutor will demand higher fines, confiscation or shut down of a business for repeat offenders.

 

“Sint Maarten is a beautiful place for those that live here and those that choose to visit us. Unwanted soliciting, businesses without licenses or passenger traffic operators that don’t respect the rules do not contribute to a positive experience. Therefore, we will increase our efforts to make sure everyone abides by the rules.”

 

The extraordinary police officers at TEATT will be equipped with a fine-book that allows them to issue a fine on behalf of the Public Prosecutor. Paying the fine is an alternative to going before the judge in Court.