~Schools remain closed on Monday as protest action continues.~
MARIGOT:--- A cargo boat from the Betty K lines docked at the Galis Bay Port on Sunday afternoon. On the boat, there are trucks and other armed forces that will be used to combat protesters on St. Martin.
The four-day-long strike has crippled the economy and violence is escalating in certain areas.
Residents are asked to pay before they can pass the barricades that are being set up in almost every district.
The Gendarmes and the extra forces that came in by air have been defeated in Sandy Ground and French Quarter thus far.
Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs confirmed that she did not grant the French any permission to dock on the Dutch side of the island as her Government is in full support with their French brothers and sisters.
President of the COM Daniel Gibbs also said on the radio on Sunday morning that he is in full support of the manifestation but also denounced the violence and those that are profiting from the current lockdown.
Residents on St. Martin are protesting the implementation of the draft PPRN law which highlights several parts of the island where locals are living as unhabitable. The areas most affected are Sandy Ground, Grand Case and French Quarter while Orient Bay was left out of the red zones.
However, the last map of the PPRN shows that Orient Bay has more red zones than Sandy Ground but the only difference is people are not living on Orient Bay Beach.
Gibbs said many persons living in some areas cannot meet the requirements of the arbitration set forth in the draft law. He said homeowners in the low lying areas or red zones must be able to provide a deed, insurance and also a building permit before they are qualified for the relocation funds.
The people of St. Martin held several protest actions prior to this lockdown, their concerns over the past two years went on deaf ears and now they have said enough is enough and they want the draft PPRN law abolished.
Schools Remain closed on Monday.
The prefecture of Saint-Martin - Saint-Barthélemy announced the closure of schools on Monday, December 16, 2019. This joint decision comes after the blocking situation has not been lifted and it will clearly be difficult to get around tomorrow. The authorities will keep the population informed of the decisions that will be taken for the following days.
Prefete Sylvie Feucher explains PPRN in both French and English.
