~Temporary closure of Marigot Port issued by Anguilla Sea Ports Authority.~
MARIGOT:---The ongoing riots on French St. Martin has negatively impacted tourism and the already fragile economy since business had to shut down since the strike began earlier this week.
On Saturday, December 14th the Board of Directors, management of the Anguilla Air and Sea Port Authority issued a press release informing the public that after receiving information from St. Martin about the closure of Marigot Port temporarily due to the civil unrest that traveling via Blowing Point will only take passengers to Dutch St. Maarten.
The US Embassy in Bridgetown Barbados also issued a release on December 14th. Below is the release from the US Embassy.
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
Assistance:
• U.S. Embassy Bridgetown, Barbados
Phone number: +1 246-227-4000
Email address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Embassy website: https://bb.usembassy.gov
• State Department – Consular Affairs phone number:
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
• French West Indies – French Saint Martin Country Information
• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
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The strike which started off against the implantation of the PPRN has moved to another level since residents and tourists are forced to pay youngsters by each roadblock to enter certain parts of the island.
On Saturday while the protest action continued in various areas some businesses opened, as usual, such a the Marigot Marketplace but business was reportedly slower since residents from the outskirts of Marigot did not have free access traveling to Marigot.
On Saturday afternoon extra armed forces landed on St. Martin, those are from the French army.
