New on the job
The new Soualiga Patrol can get right to work in the coming days as the aircraft carrier USS George Washington with some 6,000 on board spends a few days here for rest and recreation. Its arrival on Good Friday, with two cruise ships already scheduled despite the mandatory shop closure, presents an extra challenge in especially the Philipsburg area.
Although bars and restaurants can open that day, the lack of shopping will most probably translate to a lot of people milling around and walking back and forth without much to do. It would seem advisable for the entities involved in the visit of both the carrier and the cruise ships to promote Friday trips to other parts of the island, such as the beaches.
It will in any case be quite busy in town for the long Easter weekend, not only with the usual and often older cruise passengers, but with thousands of young, predominantly male sailors looking to party. The presence of the Soualiga Patrol could prove a big help in providing safety and security for both the visitors and local residents.
After the alleged gay-bashing case, any incident in which Americans are victimised could have major repercussions for tourism, especially during such a high profile US Navy visit.
The Soualiga Patrol was conceived as “tourist police” to help provide safety and security in tourism-sensitive areas, starting with Philipsburg. As such it must help see to it that public order is maintained, also if some sailors perhaps get a little rowdy in their quest to have a good time.
Dealing with them will no doubt put to the test in certain cases the abilities of the patrol members to exercise their authority as envisioned, but at the same time provide them with invaluable experience in how to handle potentially more difficult situations. They should realise, however, that despite the fact that they are “new on the job,” they bear a heavy responsibility on their shoulders.
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