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Sint Maarten Page 5. Dutch, French, Caribe Chic
In the 70s & 80s the island grew like wild fire. The population exploded.
Tens of thousands (yes) of people came here to live & to work. In
1986 authorities in Paris passed "defiscalisation" legislation
creating considerable investment incentives designed to jump-start the
economy of French St Martin. The policy was wildly successful.
The whole island still benefits from the enormous influx of businesses,
souls, controls & ideas so attracted. St Martin became more "French"
than in 1975. Orient Beach is like St Tropez. Historical Philipsburg grew
too - huge inventory & competition among savvy merchants from far
& near create duty free shopping without equal in the islands.