Dutch and French authorities meet, curfew times adapted

PHILIPSBURG/MARIGOT–This past weekend, French authorities, represented by the Prefet Anne Laubies and President Daniel Gibbs met with the Governor Eugene Holiday and some members of the Council of Ministers to discuss the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

The meeting continued with the Governor and a delegation of the Council of Ministers consisting of the Prime Minister, William Marlin and Minister of Justice Rafael Boasman, on Saturday afternoon, September 16. The curfew between Sint Maarten and Saint Martin, which was the source of misunderstandings, was synchronized.

The Prime Minister still has not answered the questions from The Daily Herald about his reasoning for closing the borders late last week but in the joint statement from the Dutch and French government authorities agreed that effective Sunday, September 17, non-emergency pass holders are prohibited from being on the streets between 7:00pm and 6:00am. until further notice.

Emergency pass holders are defined as follows: Persons holding valid disaster team passes from Sint Maarten and persons holding valid passes with permission to circulate from Saint Martin.

“Though checkpoints will be at all borders, this does not prohibit the free movement between each side of the island, but it will enhance the protection of the citizens on the island,” it was stated in the joint statement. “Further evaluation of the adjusted curfew hours, will take place during a meeting to be continued this Wednesday, September 20.”

Protocols on the communication procedures before and after a disaster between each side of the islands were also established, which includes a backup system in the event all means of telecommunication fail.

Both parties were satisfied with the outcome of the meeting and will continue to meet on a regular basis to ensure the rebuilding and overall redevelopment of the island Sint Maarten/Saint Martin will be as quick as possible.

Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/69433-dutch-and-french-authorities-meet-curfew-times-adapted