~ Protest March planned for Friday~
MARIGOT:--- Scores of gendarmes dressed in riot gear were placed in the area that is blocked by the Webster families that are protesting the auction of their property. Early Thursday morning drivers and pedestrians that were trying to cross the blockage told SMN News that there are hundreds of gendarmes in the area as they intend to clear the roadway today Thursday. So far there has not been any confirmation of the arrests by the Gendarmes.
A relative to the Websters said three of his nephews have been detained Thursday morning for questioning. The relative said that the Websters are victims and their land was sold way under its value.
On Wednesday the Collectif said they are organizing a protest march for Friday. Details of the march have not yet been released. They have since called on the population to come out and support the Websters since they believe other St. Martiners will become victims and their properties will also be taken away and sold.
Currently, the gendarmes managed to start the excavator and the truck that was placed across the road. The gendarmes are removing the blockage so that there is free circulation on the roadways.
The main road RN7 is expected to be cleared today Thursday. The roadway was blocked since Monday morning when the Websters called on the population to support them in the fight to retain their property.
The Websters and Beauperthuy are in a legal battle with other heirs to the same property they have a legal title for. The case has been ongoing for a number of years and the court-appointed an administrator that executed the sale through auction.
While the family called on the State representatives on St. Martin to intervene in what is termed as a private matter. The Prefecture of St. Martin said they intervened by mediation but were unsuccessful.
