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Sint Maarten. Page 4. ...stirring from sleep...
The 1900s brought slow times, a declining population & a remittance economy. Men worked in Curacao, Aruba, the D.R. & USA. During WWII the US Army built an airport (1943). In the 50s & 60s visionary Dutch side politicians saw Tourism as the future. Little Bay Hotel was built. Tourists & ex-patriate residents came & adored the island.
The pace increased in the 60s & 70s. Caribair, Eastern & Panam joined KLM & Air France. Major banks arrived. Roads were paved. A duty free shop opened in Philipsburg. Beautiful large fancy hotels opened. A restaurant opened in Grand Case. Construction boomed. Little St Maarten was becoming the new "in" place. The race was on.