The "Boat Nazi of SXM" Story

It was an ordinary day. Standing on the pier in Anse Marcel waiting for the ferry to take us to Pinel Island for the day. Always one of our favorite day trip destinations when we travel to St. Martin. The ride is approximately 10 minutes in a boat that they pack about 60-75 people into and hope that it will not take on water on the way over to Pinel. When you reach Pinel you have to be careful that when all the passengers on the one side of the boat step off at the same time, that the boat will not tip over the opposite way. Payment of $7.00 is collected as you prepare to enter the boat. That is the round-trip fare. Was only $5.00 when we first started visiting Pinel about 10 years ago. Seems that the same gentleman has collected the money for the last 10 years. I'm not sure how he got his nickname, but he is called the "Boat Nazi." His left arm is disabled, but doesn't keep him from blowing his whistle and collecting the money. He still pilots the boats to Pinel and barks directions the entire way. "Last boat back is 4:00 PM. Don't be late or you'll have to wait until tomorrow to come back. Don't stand up or try to get off before I have the boat against the dock." Blowing the whistle the whole time!! How he does all this with one arm is amazing. Seems to really enjoy what he is doing. Knows he has the advantage over his passengers, since he controls the ferry! My kind of guy. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - photos from the top are: "The Boat Nazi", collection of the passage fee, boat load heading to Pinel.