Ritchard--Agreed, I see yachts or private planes as not an issue with regard to crime. Although I can't really imagine that is true that 10% of the entire economy is from the yacht industry.
A month ago the Sint Maarten Marine Trades Association, as well as the Minister for TEATT received the final report from a large economic impact study that was undertaken over the last couple of years. According to the study, the entire yacht industry accounted for some 16.3% of the Dutch side GDP in 2023. Since this activity encompasses both superyachts and more humble recreational vessels, I took an educated guess and split it 10% and 6% in favor of the superyacht side. They really do spend crazy money here, and 2024 will be greater than 2023. See the Dec 14 Herald for the story.
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