The call for vigilance issued by the prefecture of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin, during the night of January 25-26, caused a strong reaction to the Nettlé BayInformed of two new attempted armed robberies near 166 Route de Baie Nettlé, the prefect decided to reactivate the anti-VAMA system and recommended avoiding the area between 21 p.m. and the end of the night, while assuring that the gendarmerie would maintain its intervention capacity “as long as the threat persists”.
This statement led to an open letter the following day. of the president of the union council of the Nettlé Bay Beach Club residence, Jean-Louis Pittavino. He points out that “166 rue de Baie Nettlé is a residence with more than 100 units (out of 148) currently occupied by vacationers, predominantly Canadian and American,” highlighting their direct contribution to the local economy. He then asks: How can we ask our vacationers to restrict their outings in the evening Or to stop going to restaurants after dark, even though Saint Martin is a destination renowned for its fine dining and they came to enjoy their stay in complete freedom?
The letter also denounces the consequences for residents and employees forced, according to him, “to lengthen their travel time to to go around via the Dutch side a situation deemed unacceptable and likened to “the creation of a lawless zone According to the union council, “public safety is a fundamental right” and “the pillar of tourism, without which the local economy will collapse.”
Considering the current measures insufficient and too lateJean-Louis Pittavino is calling for “a sustained and visible police presence throughout the entire area, from the Lagune residence to the Hommage hotel.” He reiterates, finally, a old claim “More than ever, the need to…”open a gendarmerie post on Nettlé Bay It’s essential. We’ve been demanding it for several years.
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