Business View Caribbean | November 2020

53 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN NOVEMBER 2020 key areas such as, but not limited to tenants, tour operators, water taxi & taxi protocols & guidelines. Simmonds emphasizes, “Our plans are being revised based on the latest conditions indicated by CDC and will be aligned with the standards and requirements of the Cruise lines to ensure a safe experience for all involved. The safety of passengers, crew and local population is of paramount importance as we work towards resumption during these challenging times.” The Port St. Maarten Group of Companies has a vision to lead the Caribbean through quality service and operational excellence, while providing a safe and secure environment for their clients and the people of St. Maarten. The Port serves to fulfill a vital function for the country of St. Maarten and its citizens and looks forward to a bright, although different than expected future ahead. PORT ST . MAARTEN GROUP OF COMPANI ES Simmonds also acknowledges the very close working relationship between Port St. Maarten and the St. Maarten Tourism Office, as well as the Ministry (TEATT), which go hand in hand with each other. She notes, “There has been a lot of collaboration over the course of the pandemic as we strive to ensure the country’s readiness for Cruise resumption. Ensuring we’re all aligned and engaging with the relevant stakeholders, regarding awareness, preparation and established protocols for the return of Cruise.” Port St. Maarten has established strict protocols for Cruise resumption by means of: • Sterile Port protocol • SMPA Emergency plan for combating infectious diseases • Port cleaning protocol • Cruise resumption plan, outlining various