We too are on the island and have had no issues at all, we are staying in Orient Village area but have made numerous trips to the Dutch side. Have used Oyster pond route, French quarter and Marigot all are fine. Have had no reason to go through Sandy Ground and it’s never been my route of choice. And Carol, we have seen adds for Black Friday so it is a thing even on SXM although probably not to the degree as in the states.