WHAT THE CARIBBEAN FEELS LIKE FOR A DIGITAL NOMAD
As the internet expands, so does the world of digital nomads. These cosmopolitan professionals, needing no more than a socket and a good wifi connection to call any place their workplace, can increasingly be found in the Caribbean too.
St. Maarten has been highly popular amongst these traveling digital workers for a variety of reasons. To explore advantages and disadvantages of being a digital nomad in the Caribbean, visitstmaarten.com interviewed Brams Souare of internet company Meridium, making St. Maarten his base of (digital) operations frequently. Meridium builds software such as web applications, mobile applications and microservices for both the public sector (governments) and corporations. Its clients range from healthcare and pharmaceutical companies to sustainability startups. Three additional projects focus on transportation.
When asked for the biggest benefits of being a digital nomad, Souare has a clear cut answer. “The biggest pro would be the great sense of freedom that it brings. I could, technically speaking, pack up everything I truly need into a single suitcase and work from a different country for a couple of weeks or months. Coming from a rather cold climate, escaping winters always seemed like a good idea.” In Souares eyes there are also disadvantages of being a traveling professional. “Friends and family often feel far away”.
For years, St. Maarten has been Souares favorite Caribbean getaway. From his expert perspective, St. Maarten is one of the best Caribbean islands for digital nomads. “A wonderful combination of opportunity and some of the most beautiful beaches. Add that together with a wide range of different cultures that visit the island and I’d say that’s enough reason to at least come take a look.”
He also sees opportunities for doing business on the island itself for those versed in programming. “The Caribbean offers a large potential for digital innovation. As IT systems and technology are evolving rapidly around the world, adoption of said technologies sometimes lags. On “SXM” there are a lot of opportunities to implement bold ideas and strategies, and even grow them from here”.
His favorite digital nomad working spot on the exotic beach destination of St. Maarten is Van Dorp co-working spaces, deliberately founded to be a third place working spot. “They offer private offices at a decent rate and have great internet speed compared to island standards.”
But ofcourse, Caribbean escape St. Maarten does not rank high just because of its viable internet speeds. This 37 beach paradise also ranks high with Souare as it in fact is a sunny vacation spot throughout his stay, with much to explore. “We like to go out on an island hopping boat trip once in a while to one of the neighboring islands, with a group of friends. Every time you think you’ve seen it all, you get surprised by beautiful new sights, or how different all these islands are from each other despite them being so close.”
If he was to choose a favorite beach, it would be Le Galion on the French side of the island. “Particularly because it is very quiet and has shallow waters, where my puppy is now learning to swim. I really like Plum Bay as well.”
His favorite area to hang out is Simpson bay. “It is centrally located with many things to do. In addition, with the lagoon access you could reach many parts of the island quickly, regardless whether you prefer to travel by sea or land.” When it pertains to selecting a bar to fellow nomads, he has difficulty to choose as “Many on the island have a distinct character, and you can choose one befitting your mood best. ”
What should a first time visiting digital nomad know when choosing St. Maarten as a Caribbean retreat? “If you chose St. Maarten, you chose a five-star getaway in the Caribbean, not downtown Manhattan or Londons City district. Business, as well as many other things on the island, might not move as fast-paced as you’d wish them to go or might be used to. But if you are willing to have a bit of patience and continue to engage with locals, other likeminded individuals (be it entrepreneurs or otherwise) you have a chance at developing some beautiful and long lasting relationships.”
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