~ Collectivité demands retraction ~
MARIGOT–French Minister for Overseas Territories Annick Girardin stated in a radio message to St. Martin last night that the text of the natural risk prevention plan PPRN will be “corrected” and that a team of three technical experts will be deployed in January 2020 to work on it in conjunction with a local dialogue support committee and the President and Territorial Council.
The delegation will be headed by Dominique Lacroix, Sous-Préfet for St. Martin from 2007 to 2009.
“The PPRN is designed to protect the people of St. Martin from further natural disasters like [Hurricane – Ed.] Irma,” Girardin insisted. “The State took responsibility, but responsibility involves making unpopular decisions in the general interest. Yes, there are many things in the draft plan that need to be corrected or improved. I want everyone to be heard. Those worried about the plan can be reassured. Now is the time for dialogue and healing.”
She condemned the violence and disruption at a time when St. Martin is trying to recover economically after the hurricanes, saying it was “unacceptable” and called for everyone to behave responsibly.
She said the Collectivité’s request to take over responsibility for the environment from the State will be studied. The Collectivité has responsibility for urban planning. She added tellingly that a review of the State representation in St. Martin will also be done. Acknowledging social issues and poverty in St. Martin, she confirmed the State will work closely with the Collectivité to address these issues.
President Gibbs convened a Territorial Operational Committee meeting with Vice-Presidents, elected officials and representatives of the major institutions and district councils earlier in the afternoon. The objective was to join forces to propose concrete solutions to exit the crisis. Everyone expressed their views and expectations.
“We have also taken into account the announcements made by the Minister of Overseas Territories Annick Girardin, tonight, regarding the PPRN crisis in St. Martin,” said Gibbs.
“The measures she proposes reflect some progress, including the correction of certain points of the PPRN, but are not up to the expectations of the population who demand the suspension of the PPRN by anticipation. Her solution is insufficient, incomplete and disappointing overall. We therefore decided to continue the negotiations with the State, in order to obtain measures that meet the legitimate expectations of the St. Martin people.”
The elected officials also discussed the Minister’s address on SOS Radio. Opposition Councillor and President of Movement for Justice and Prosperity (MJP) Louis Mussington praised the actions (not the violence) of the protestors who have forced the State (Minister) into giving a response.
“The PPRN by anticipation has to be retracted now, not modified as the Minister wants, otherwise we cannot issue building permits,” he argued.
To support the territory and its inhabitants Gibbs disclosed a peaceful, apolitical and silent gathering will be held on the waterfront at 10:00am today, Tuesday. Support is encouraged from the Dutch side as well. Everyone who attends is requested to dress in white.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/93330-the-pprn-will-be-corrected-announces-overseas-minister
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