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This was just posted by the Government of Sint Maarten (https://www.facebook.com/SXMGOV/):
"Government of Sint Maarten

** VMT is aware of “Snowbird/Vaccination Tourists” issue. Working on solution to filter them out **
The Vaccination Management Team (VMT) took notice of the issue which is circulating on social media since last Friday of persons, who presumably are not residing on the island, trying to register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine on Sint Maarten.
The registration process is currently aimed at making the vaccination available for all residents of Sint Maarten including those that reside in the country undocumented.
This group is estimated to be around a third of the population on the Dutch side. So, without including this group, it will be impossible to reach herd immunity and stop the spread of the virus. Therefore, any form of Identification (ID) is currently required when registering, not specifically a Sint Maarten ID.
However, the VMT has taken note of instances where tourists or so-called “snowbirds’’, specifically plan to come to Sint Maarten to receive the vaccine.
The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour (Ministry VSA) wants to be clear that the COVID-19 vaccines are not intended for these groups, but are reserved for persons who reside on Sint Maarten for at least six months or have a Sint Maarten ID.
The VMT is currently working on a solution to filter these ''vaccination tourists & snowbirds'' out of the registration database and will update the public on possible changes in the registration procedures shortly.
Lastly, the VMT wants to encourage everyone who's residing on Sint Maarten to register for the vaccine. Almost 5.000 have registered already, but we will need approximately 40.000 residents to be vaccinated to realize herd immunity. We are incredibly privileged to have the opportunity to get this vaccine, as they are extremely scarce all over the world. The fact that people from other countries are trying to get it here is a good example of that.
The VMT encourages you to protect yourself and play your part in protecting the most vulnerable in our communities. Vaccination is at this point is one of the best preventive options to return to normalcy. To once more allow tourists to return to our island will ultimately lead to economic recovery.
If you haven't done so already, please register using the online registration link which can be found on the Government of Sint Maarten website vaccination information page, or via a paper-based registration form, which can be picked up at various locations and dropped off at the Collective Prevention Service (CPS) offices or one of the assigned Vaccination Administration Locations.
If you have not done so already, please register for the vaccine (also if you are under 60 years) by using the online link: https://forms.sintmaartengov.org/form.aspx?v=OGtn05kNmb which is now also available in Spanish and Creole.
You can also use the paper-based “COVID Vaccine Registration Form” which can be picked up at several locations, including CPS at the Vineyard Office Park Building, the Division of Labor Affairs at the Simpson Bay Public Service Center in Simpson Bay, Doctors’ offices, the Government Administration Building, and select pharmacies.
St. Maarten protected together."

Glad they recognized the problem and are taking steps to curtail it.

Thanks for posting.

See a related story in the Daily Herald today. Link

I wondered if they may have some issues convincing enough of the population to take the vaccine to achieve herd immunity - which is so important. When we were there in Jan/Feb, we spoke with several locals (young) who said they would not take it. Had some pretty wild conspiracy theories which we hadn't heard... one was that if you take it, when you turn 65 you'll die.

We explained the best we could and encouraged them to take it. I think it will be another blow to their tourism if they can't vaccinate their population and other Caribbean islands do.

I have no idea how many tourists were able to actually get the vaccine, since it just arrived on SXM. Can't imagine it is a lot. But they would definitely have gotten only the first dose. I wonder whether those people will be able to get a second dose or not? Not that I would personally lose any sleep over it, but it is an interesting question..

Based on the link I posted to the story from the DH from today, and lubsurf's comment above, it seems like there is a lot of resistance to the shot on the island. Surprised that there are such a relatively few number of people signed up so far..

Second dose is in three weeks from first. If they leave St Maarten before that they'll have to try and get it back home. Good luck on that and it will have to be Pfizer. Most places don't give you a choice.

Well, since the people got the first shot, I would assume that they were planning on staying the three weeks after, regardless.

I would think so but who knows how some people think.