The year 1963 can be considered as the beginning of tourism development on the island of St. Martin and, therefore, the transition year between an agricultural, rural economy and a commercial, tourist-oriented economy. The 37-square mile French / Dutch Island with English-speaking natives began its transformation into modernity with the electrification of the greater part of the island and the construction of the first terminal of the Princess Juliana International Airport during that year. Many islanders left their gardens and grounds to work in the construction field, in the stores and hotels, which opened that year. As the development increased, numerous immigrants from the close neighboring islands came in search of work, and waves of St. Martiners who had migrated to then prosperous Caribbean islands returned to their homeland to fill the new positions in the first banks, business administrations, and governmental offices. The festive, gentle way of life of the natives harmoniously blended with the burgeoning new economy, and greatly contributed to the success of the tourism industry, which made St. Martin one of the top Caribbean destinations. Its attractiveness derived not only from the unique beauty of its combined pond and hill sceneries, but also from the warm hospitality and friendliness of the natives.
The adverse effects of the 1986 law of defiscalization generated an unprecedented upheaval on half of the island of Saint-Martin. From a quiet rural life, the northern half moved into a rampant urbanization, an exponential increase of the population, a chronic unemployment rate...Twenty years later, another law is looming on the horizon: the organic law defining a new status for this commune. The content of the "road map" was decided in the sole interest of the political leaders and of a few businessmen.
The year 1963 can be considered as the beginning of tourism development on the island of St. Martin and, therefore, the transition year between an agricultural, rural economy and a commercial, tourist-oriented economy. The 37-square mile French / Dutch Island with English-speaking natives began its transformation into modernity with the electrification of the greater part of the island and the construction of the first terminal of the Princess Juliana International Airport during that year. Many islanders left their gardens and grounds to work in the construction field, in the stores and hotels, which opened that year. As the development increased, numerous immigrants from the close neighboring islands came in search of work, and waves of St. Martiners who had migrated to then prosperous Caribbean islands returned to their homeland to fill the new positions in the first banks, business administrations, and governmental offices. The festive, gentle way of life of the natives harmoniously blended with the burgeoning new economy, and greatly contributed to the success of the tourism industry, which made St. Martin one of the top Caribbean destinations. Its attractiveness derived not only from the unique beauty of its combined pond and hill sceneries, but also from the warm hospitality and friendliness of the natives.
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