Marigot:--- The third Vice President of the Collectivity of St. Martin Guillaume Arnell and Louis Fleming presented two drivers with receipts to show that they have requested a French Driver's license. The two drivers Melvin Hunt and Emile Larmonie Jr. are holders of Dutch driver's licenses that were not renewed because they do not reside on the Dutch side of the island.
Melvin Hunt and Emile Larmonie Jr. are drivers that are driving on the French side of the island illegally since their licenses have not been renewed. The executive council of the COM took a decision last week to grant the Dutch driver's license holders a French Driver's license under certain conditions. The decision was taken after the President of the Collectivity consulted with Prefet Phillipe Chopin, the Prosecutor, and the Gendarmerie.
Hunt and Larmonie Jr. received their receipt in anticipation of receiving their French driver's license. Both drivers were keen to congratulate the elected officials for their effectiveness in this matter, and the Prefet Philippe Chopin for taking a decision in their interest. Vice President Guillaume Arnell also thanked Chopin for his involvement in the matter and for understanding the specificities of local life. He took this opportunity to salute the work done before by former territorial councilor Arnel Daniel. The territorial councilor that is responsible for transport, Louis Fleming, thanked all the players who participated in the resolution of this issue, and paid tribute to their efficiency in achieving this work.
Members of the Executive Board adopted at its meeting on Tuesday, July 10, 2012, a regulation allowing the implementation of the exchange of driving licenses issued by the Government of Sint Maarten. The COM wishes to clarify that this exchange of drivers license will not be done for the licenses that were issued on islands of Saba and St. Eustatius. In addition driver's licenses that were delivered on Saba and Statia and were exchanged for a Driver's license on St. Maarten will not be exchanged.
In accordance with regulations adopted by the Executive Council, French driver's licenses shall be exchanged only with permits issued by the Dutch authorities and administrations who have undergone training in the territory of Sint Maarten.
