(Written by a reporter for Jewelry News)
“In St. Maarten, the majority of ALL jewelry retailers are owned and operated by those of Indian decent. This reporter has come to the conclusion (unconfirmed as to number of members) that the majority of Indian owned and operated jewelry retail stores are members of the Indian Merchant Association and many are partners and/or even related in many cases.
Walk from one jewelry store into another and no one is fighting for your business, as if store number one does not close the sale, store number, two, three, four, five, six (and so on) are waiting just a few steps away, ready and waiting to lure consumers into their establishments with a “so-called” great deal on loose diamonds and gemstones or finished jewelry.
What’s truly sad about the situation in St. Maarten is that the locals (natives) are struggling to earn a living however, those from India live in palatial homes and send their children to private schools through monopolizing the retail jewelry business on St. Maarten (specifically Front Street).
Front Street is the main thoroughfare, where the majority of tourists disembarking from cruise ships are deposited. While Diamonds International has a firm presence on the island, it is the members of the Indian Merchant Association who are reaping the benefits of ZERO import duty on goods and taking advantage of the open border between the French and Dutch side of the islands and three month stays.
While three year “stay” limits may or may not (yet) apply, anyone can visit St. Maarten for three months, leave, come back and complete process over and over again…
Interviews with locals reveal that many are aware of the Indian Merchant’s Association however, do not understand how those who come to live, work and set up retail jewelry businesses are bypassing normal channels to do so. No doubt, a few of these businesses were founded before St Maarten was established as a “must see” port of call for the cruise ship industry. The fact that the Indian Merchant’s Association even exists should send up a few red flags among those in government.
” [Via jewelryblogger.com]
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