MARIGOT—The main RN7 between the Gendarmerie in French Quarter and the Cadisco Station in Orient Bay has been closed off with barriers from early this morning as the local tenants of the new Orient Beach restaurants stepped up their on-going protest against the Collectivité. Only emergency vehicles and ambulances have been allowed to pass.
The two blockades meant tour buses were unable to access Orient Beach and residents in the beach area were unable to exit with cars. One group of tourists on their way to the airport was escorted through the French Quarter blockade. The tenants indicated they had decided to join forces with the collective “Saint-Martin Wake “up to not only bring attention to their plight on Orient Beach but numerous other unresolved issues as well; namely the zoning plan PLU, 50 pas Géometriques, Le Galion, Grand Case Beach and Grand Case Airport etc.

There was not a great amount of supporters at either location. Protestors are waiting for elected officials to arrive in an attempt to resolve the stand-off. However First Vice -resident Guillaume Arnell is off island, and reportedly so is Vice-President Wendel Cocks. By 11:00 am no elected official had arrived on the scene. The protestors say they are committed to the action and will block more roads if they cannot get a meeting with the Collectivité.

Préfète Anne Laubies offered to meet with the protestors on March 15 however this was rejected. The Préfète is now meeting with the protestors today at 2:30pm in the company of President Aline Hnason and Collectivité officials