SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) – The Prime Minster Silveria Jacobs, Minister of Justice Egbert Doran, Minister of TEATT Mellissa Arrindell-Doncher, along with the Police, Immigration department and the TEATT (Tourism, Economic Affairs and Transport) ministry held an emergency meeting to deal with the consequences of the effects of the current demonstrations and road blocks happening on the French side of St. Martin. (over the last 2-3 days.)
Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs stated that the government with all its Emergency Services Departments/EOC and departments are doing all in their power to keep the St. Maarten residents and visitors to our island absolutely safe and sound. There is open communication between the Government of St. Maarten and the representatives of the Collectivité of St. Martin as well as the Préfecture regarding updates concerning the protests and the blockades.
While we are in solidarity with the people of French St. Martin and their struggle, priority at this time is that our community is safe. There will be heightened Police presence on the Dutch side, including vigilance around our shared borders.
This presence is to ensure the population’s safety, and it does not indicate that we are in any way blocking the borders. Residents and visitors alike are asked to follow all directions and to please cooperate with the police.
While the blockades of the roads on the French side have remained in place, the only safe route is via the Cole Bay/Bellevue border. However, anyone choosing to do so will be doing so at their own risk.
The French authorities have issued a statement advising visitors to detour or remain on Dutch St. Maarten instead. Prime Minister Jacobs reiterated that all stakeholders are currently doing all that we can to accommodate those that have opted to leave the French side and finalize their stay on Dutch St. Maarten.
To end, the community and the tourists should rest assure that everything is being done to secure the community and tourists. And secondly, everyone should remain calm, stay on the Dutch side and not venture onto the Northern side of the island; the Government and police is doing what needs to be done.
The Dutch side wishes the French side a quick resolution to the issue and for life to return to normal on the French side as soon as possible. The lines of communication between the two governments are open. Arrangements are being made for persons and tourists going to the French side.
Source: Souliga Newsday https://www.soualiganewsday.com/index.php?option=com-k2&view=item&id=28827:government-meets-to-discuss-developments-on-french-side&Itemid=450
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