Minister seeks Anguilla talks on cruising permits and immigration procedures

Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten has written to Anguillian authorities seeking clarification and ministerial discussions on proposed cruising permits and immigration procedures, she said.

The outreach followed a meeting with Sint Maarten boat tour and charter operators on Thursday 29 October. Operators raised concerns about Anguilla's proposed permit framework, immigration clearance requirements and delays affecting passengers, according to Heyliger-Marten.

Heyliger-Marten said she asked for affected Sint Maarten operators to be able to provide input before arrangements that could affect their operations are finalised. She said both governments should discuss measures affecting visitor movement and maritime businesses between the islands.

The minister also outlined plans to modernise Sint Maarten's maritime legal framework, improve maritime infrastructure and set clearer regulatory arrangements. Heyliger-Marten said the government also needs to address administrative obstacles within Sint Maarten.