U.S. and Canada issue travel alerts regarding French Saint Martin | SOUALIGA NEWSDAY

SAINT MARTIN (MARIGOT) – Travel alerts have been issued by both the Governments of the United States of America and Canada with respect to the current demonstration activity taking place on French Saint Martin.

The U.S. Embassy in Barbados which is responsible for the Eastern Caribbean and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), issued a ‘security alert’ on Saturday, December 14, 2019.

The U.S. security alert reads as follows:

Location: French Saint Martin; Event: Roads connecting Dutch and French Saint Martin may be potentially impassable due to roadblocks and protest activity.

Dutch Saint Martin (Sint Maarten) authorities are prepared to receive tourists transported from French Saint Martin. Travelers at Princess Juliana International Airport in Dutch Saint Martin (Sint Maarten) may not be able to travel to French Saint Martin.

Actions to Take:

  • Avoid demonstrations
  • Monitor local media for updates
  • Keep a low profile
  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Notify friends and family of your safety
  • Consider deferring travel to French Saint Martin and making alternate arrangements
  • The U.S. system is based on four travel advisory levels:

    1-Exercise normal precautions.

    2-Exercise increased caution.

    3-Reconsider travel.

    4-Do not travel.

    The security alert issued by the U.S. authorities with respect to the demonstrations and roadblocks on French Saint Martin is at the lowest level, level 1 out of a four-level travel alert system.

    Canada Government

    The Canadian authorities issued their statement on Friday, December 13, 2019 which is still valid today, December 14, 2019 regarding safety and security – demonstrations.

    The Canadian Government calls on Canadian vacationers on the French side of the island to ‘take normal security precautions.’

    The definition of the risk level is: “Exercise normal security precautions – There are no significant safety and security concerns. The overall safety and security situation is similar to that of Canada. You should take normal security precautions.”

    In addition, the alert message adds: Safety and security – Demonstrations:

    Demonstrations are taking place in Saint-Martin since December 12, 2019. Demonstrators have erected blockades on main roads, causing transportation disruptions.

    Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place; Avoid crossing road blockades, even if they appear unattended; Follow the instructions of local authorities; Monitor local media for the latest information.

    The Canadian security and safety risk level comprises of a system of four levels:

    1-Exercise normal security precautions.

    2-Exercise a high degree of caution.

    3-Avoid non-essential travel.

    4-Avoid all travel.

    The alert issued for French Saint Martin is the lowest level out of a four-level security risk system.

    Source: Souliga Newsday https://www.soualiganewsday.com/index.php?option=com-k2&view=item&id=28826:u-s-and-canada-issue-travel-alerts-regarding-french-saint-martin&Itemid=450

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