St. Maarten Private Eye

The problem is that there is absolutely no zoning. There is a law that makes zoning possible (The Zoning Ordinance), but it never went fully into effect. Since the mid-90's Sint Maarten is working with planning permits as a more or less temporary solution. The difference is that planning permits are requested by the landowner, while zoning plans are made by the government to regulate land use and development.
And why does SXM not have zoning plans (only one: Fort Amsterdam). Is that because: politicians do not want a general policy because it gives them less space to deal with developers? Is it because it effects private properties which is scary. Politicians could lose votes. Or is it because there are no civil servants that are available and trained for this work? I don't know. Any answers?