St. Maarten Private Eye

Quote : "Most countries have a 90 day policy for tourist visas. So does St Maarten. I don't disagree with that. However, if you own property on St Maarten and can prove that you can support yourself without working, getting a 5 or even 10 year visa (not work permit) shouldn't be more than a formality."

It is a formality and not impossible nor difficult to obtain , and it is called a "residency permit - retirement status"... It is valid for one year at the begining, renewable every year (easily...) during 3 years, then after three years you are being given the same residency permit for a 3 year period renewable for another 3 years period at its expiration. Then after all those years it is given to you a permanent residency permit... Like you said, you just have to prove that you can support yourself (a minimum of yearly income of $25.000), that you have a health insurance, and you do not have any criminal records. Few appostilles stamps, 3 month delay for obtention and this is it.
I beleive the French side a something similar which is called "carte de sejour" and a lot of (not all of them of course...) the wealthy lowland Americans home owner have one.
I do not think it is discouraging tourism, as majority of Americans tourist only stay a couple of weeks max... (with one week vaccation per year they can not do much...)