Security Services in Philipsburg and Marigot, Sint Maarten and Saint Martin

See the Caribbean page for coverage across the region.

Retail and Resort Districts in Philipsburg and Marigot

We manage security programs for retailers and properties on both sides of the island, including:

• Front Street, Philipsburg
• Port St. Maarten cruise terminal
• Simpson Bay
• Porto Cupecoy
• Marigot waterfront and Marina Fort Louis
• Maho Village

Security Considerations in Philipsburg and Marigot

Port St. Maarten can berth several large ships at once, and passengers fill Front Street and the boardwalk soon after docking. Jewelers and watch dealers need officers who manage doors and display cases during those surges and know the schedule for the week ahead. Taxi and water taxi routes between the pier and town also shape where crowds build during the day.

Two governments share one island, with different laws, languages and currencies on each side. Dutch, English and French are all in daily use, and English is the common working language on the Dutch side. Clients with sites in both Philipsburg and Marigot need a program that respects each side’s rules while keeping one set of Post Orders and one reporting format.

The island was badly damaged by hurricanes in 2017, and storm planning from June to November is part of every site plan. MGP manages the program, supervision and reporting, with officers from vetted local security companies. Marinas and villas also need coverage during the yacht season from late fall to spring, when owners and charter guests arrive.

How Coverage Works in Sint Maarten and Saint Martin

In Sint Maarten and Saint Martin, as in every region, MGP delivers coverage through the MGP Hybrid Operating Model. MGP writes the Post Orders, sets the standard of presentation and service, provides local, hands-on supervision and reports to the client, working with vetted, locally licensed security companies. The staffing structure for each location is set out in the Service Implementation Plan.

The delivery structure, licensing and insurance for each location are confirmed before a proposal is issued.

Services in Philipsburg and Marigot

Security Officer Requirements in Sint Maarten and Saint Martin

• On the Dutch side, security companies may arm their staff in public only with conditional permission from the Ministry of Justice, which is granted only by exception. A business licence from the Ministry of TEATT for armed guarding does not by itself guarantee a weapons permit. Source
• The company needs its own weapons permit, and each armed staff member needs a separate personal permit after screening. Permits apply only during active security duty and cannot be transferred to another employee. Source
• Each armed staff member must hold a certificate or proof of law enforcement training from a certified training provider covering conflict management, the Criminal Code of Sint Maarten and weapons law, and must pass a supervised written exam before being considered for a gun permit. Source
• Weapon permit applicants must be at least 21 and submit a certificate of conduct (VOG), a medical declaration, a psychological assessment by a certified psychologist and a civil registry excerpt showing permanent legal residency, all no more than three months old. Firearm permits also require a marksmanship certificate, currently from an accredited commercial shooting range. Source
• When an armed staff member stops working as a guard, the company must notify the Ministry directly and the weapon must be handed over to the police (KPSM). Source

Common Questions

Does MGP hold its own security license in Sint Maarten and Saint Martin?

No. In Sint Maarten and Saint Martin, officers are employed by vetted security companies that hold the local licenses, and MGP manages the program, its standards and its reporting.