It seems to actually be a rather safe airport.
https://aviation-safety.net/database...ort.php?id=SXM
The hills off the prevailing departure runway 28 are probably more of a risk than the ATC ops - and no one has ever hit them yet, apparently. (And no one has hit any sunbathers or videographers on the beach 20 feet below the approach to 10 either.
).
A rather simple layout for one controller to handle, and the "local folks" - which would include both KLM/AF from Europe and the islands-hoppers (LIAT, Winair) - know it like the back of their hands. Although there is a required back-taxi after landing for anything much bigger than a Twin Otter.
The only time I flew out of TNCM, there were far more traffic problems and risk of a collision on the water and in the streets (thanks to a local regatta) than on or above the airport.