What an awesome description of what’s going on on our once upon a time “Friendly Island” good job, Kim!
Years ago, close to fifty of them, we fell in love with St. Martin/§int Maarten because of its uniqueness but sadly that’s mostly gone today and the island has become much like any other beachy location - Miami, Myrtle Beach, Jersey shore - take your pic.
The cliffs at Cupecoy were gorgeous but today - not so much. The concrete fortresses just don’t cut it IMHO. The people are still warm and welcoming but the politics of the island just suck!

Protect what little is left, please!