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Dump continues to burn #125046
03/23/2017 07:49 PM
03/23/2017 07:49 PM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,290
Sunny Isles Beach, FL
pasnyder Offline OP
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pasnyder  Offline OP
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Sunny Isles Beach, FL
Has anyone been following Barbara's posts on Facebook? The dump is on fire again and is really bad and affecting the whole Dutch side.
https://www.sxm-talks.com/st-martin-news...sing-in-action/


We are the People our parents warned us about!
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Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: pasnyder] #125047
03/23/2017 07:58 PM
03/23/2017 07:58 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,296
Colorado and Sailing the World
Maria_and_Steve Offline
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Colorado and Sailing the World
A citizens group met today with the minister of Vromi in the afternoon. The outcome was stated as this: "The meeting was very informative and we learned a lot, but mainly that this is a mess that cannot be resolved overnight."

It seems that a new minister who only took office in December is responsible now.

So still not a lot of action but lots of words.

Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: Maria_and_Steve] #125048
03/23/2017 08:35 PM
03/23/2017 08:35 PM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,290
Sunny Isles Beach, FL
pasnyder Offline OP
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pasnyder  Offline OP
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Posts: 1,290
Sunny Isles Beach, FL
And meanwhile the people are suffering! What a shame!


We are the People our parents warned us about!
Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: pasnyder] #125049
03/24/2017 12:31 AM
03/24/2017 12:31 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,253
Boynton Beach, FL
EdB Offline
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EdB  Offline
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Boynton Beach, FL
The flames were huge yesterday afternoon. The smoke could be seen and smelt...all the way to the airport!!

Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: pasnyder] #125050
03/24/2017 08:34 AM
03/24/2017 08:34 AM
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 531
Beacon, NY
SANFILIP Offline
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SANFILIP  Offline
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Posts: 531
Beacon, NY
It is still smoldering, this morning....


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Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: SANFILIP] #125051
03/24/2017 08:45 AM
03/24/2017 08:45 AM
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 846
Oshawa
BGH Offline
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BGH  Offline
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Oshawa
the gov't continues to fail its residents and visitors .

Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: BGH] #125052
03/24/2017 08:46 AM
03/24/2017 08:46 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Ohio
Quote
BGH said:
the gov't continues to fail its residents and visitors .


Imagine that! Been going on for years and new governments produce the same results on the island.


J.D.
Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: Maria_and_Steve] #125053
03/24/2017 09:18 AM
03/24/2017 09:18 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Online content
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boucharda  Online Content
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Massachusetts
Quote
this is a mess that cannot be resolved overnight.


Sounds like it just started yesterday <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: boucharda] #125054
03/24/2017 09:32 AM
03/24/2017 09:32 AM
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 288
J
jimnjudy Offline
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jimnjudy  Offline
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Posts: 288
The burning dump is not only ugly to see but a major health hazard..not only to residents but to tourists...the people who actually support the island...especially the Dutch side.
I don't know about you guys but more and more I'm getting the feeling that the government doesn't really understand how important it is to the island to bring in tourist dollars and worse...they don't seem to care!! Unanswered police emergency phone lines, slow or no police response, major traffic tie ups, and what appears to be rising blatant daytime crime offences against the very tourists whose dollars the island desperately needs.OR..am I overreacting??

Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: pasnyder] #125055
03/24/2017 09:35 AM
03/24/2017 09:35 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,470
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Central Florida!
Editorial in the Daily Herald here


Carol Hill
Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: jimnjudy] #125056
03/24/2017 09:36 AM
03/24/2017 09:36 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Ohio
Not overreacting IMHO. The politicians are out for their best interest it seems and the same problems get kicked down the road. I had a conversation with a long-time island resident (local) a couple of weeks ago. He has basically given up on the Dutch side political system and he personally thinks the French side is worse. He cited the Marigot Marina area as an example, along with the dump situation.


J.D.
Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: ruralcarrier] #125057
03/24/2017 10:53 AM
03/24/2017 10:53 AM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,193
Virginia
Snorkeller Offline
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Snorkeller  Offline
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Virginia
I wonder how the french-side can be considered "worse" in terms of simply performing the basic functions of government. A toxic cloud of smoke routinely hangs over a significant part of the dutch-side population - even when not on fire, a massive dump is in the center of the capital city - the utility company is a joke - a significant number of the country's legislators cannot read the language of the law. What is amazing is how many wonderful hardworking people keep things going despite the absurdities.

Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: Snorkeller] #125058
03/24/2017 10:59 AM
03/24/2017 10:59 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Ohio
Just relaying his opinion. He used to follow the politics a lot but has given up. He was born on the Dutch side, lives on the French side and has serious concerns.


J.D.
Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: ruralcarrier] #125059
03/24/2017 12:51 PM
03/24/2017 12:51 PM
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 846
Oshawa
BGH Offline
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BGH  Offline
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Oshawa
That is my point . No planning ..... They just ignore the issue ..

Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: ruralcarrier] #125060
03/24/2017 01:04 PM
03/24/2017 01:04 PM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,193
Virginia
Snorkeller Offline
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Snorkeller  Offline
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Virginia
I know that you were just reporting his opinion - which I thought was interesting. It makes more sense to me that he would say what he did given that he lives on french-side.

Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: ruralcarrier] #125061
03/24/2017 01:32 PM
03/24/2017 01:32 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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pat  Offline
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Brookfield, CT.
If I lived on the island of St. Martin (as a whole....) I'd have serious concerns, too, regardless of which side. The acrid aroma of burning trash is terrible and I doubt it knows the borders and that its supposed to stay on the side where its created, so really, no one is immune from its effects even if its primarily a Dutch side concern.

Years ago we had a local dump in the next town that kept catching on fire and it had nothing to do with dump dwellers or scavengers but with the methane gases that built up underground and were easily combustible, igniting sometimes into raging infernos creating disgusting and health effecting fumes. For the island Fathers to make the innocuous statements about keeping windows closed is ludicrous.

It's not like this is a new problem to the island and every new administration (administrator) acts like they never heard of the problem before. And they all opt for studying the situation - the time for studying is done. It's time they applied some of those studies and actively do something for ALL the people of the island.

I know government gives a lot of money from their coffers for 'fun' things like Christmas decorations, regatta funding, Carnival funding and lots of other things islanders enjoy but c'mon peeps, this is a health issue and before monies are spent on any of these fun items, health and safety matters such as these need to be seriously addressed. Perhaps instead of these donations, or heaven forbid - the raises for government officials, and don't forget the celebratory galas and off island travels in search of more revenues and potential visitors, they should take this problem seriously and DO SOMETHING CONSTRUCTIVE FOR ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE ISLAND regardless of which side you call home and regardless of whether you're a resident or a visitor since all can be so adversely effected by this on-going health problem.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/smashpc.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/smashpc.gif" alt="" />

Last edited by pat; 03/24/2017 01:55 PM.

Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: pat] #125062
03/24/2017 04:41 PM
03/24/2017 04:41 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Online content
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boucharda  Online Content
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Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
That makes sense so it has zero hope of happening

Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: Carol_Hill] #125063
03/24/2017 05:24 PM
03/24/2017 05:24 PM
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 109
K
kabs996 Offline
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kabs996  Offline
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K
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 109
I am traveling to the Divi resort in July. Are we going to have a problem with this burning smell? My son has asthma and that could potentially make him sick. If it is an issue I will change my reservation to Simpson Bay area.

Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: kabs996] #125064
03/24/2017 05:49 PM
03/24/2017 05:49 PM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
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GaKaye  Offline
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Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
Sadly, the smoke goes where the winds take it. From what I understand there was smoke from this latest fire as far away as the airport the other day.

Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: GaKaye] #125065
03/24/2017 06:02 PM
03/24/2017 06:02 PM
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 109
K
kabs996 Offline
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kabs996  Offline
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K
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 109
Am I better of in Simpson Bay rather than Divi? Where will it be worse?

Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: kabs996] #125066
03/24/2017 06:11 PM
03/24/2017 06:11 PM
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 50
B
BruceSummit Offline
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Posts: 50
You are far better off in Simpson Bay than you are at Divi. Divi is close to town where the dump is located. Simpson Bay is at least over the hill and the hill itself does block most of the fumes. Better still, Maho and the Cupecoy areas are even further away. Your other option is Oyster Pond since the prevailing winds are from the east and Oyster Pond will be upwind from the dump fires.


Bruce J
Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: kabs996] #125067
03/24/2017 06:44 PM
03/24/2017 06:44 PM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
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GaKaye  Offline
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Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
Quote
kabs996 said:
Am I better of in Simpson Bay rather than Divi? Where will it be worse?


No one can answer that. It depends on which direction the wind is blowing, and whether there's a fire when you're there.

Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: kabs996] #125068
03/24/2017 06:48 PM
03/24/2017 06:48 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,141
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem Offline
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Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Yes, I would say anywhere away from Philipsburg would be the best option.




Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: islandgem] #125069
03/24/2017 06:53 PM
03/24/2017 06:53 PM
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 531
Beacon, NY
SANFILIP Offline
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SANFILIP  Offline
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Posts: 531
Beacon, NY
We are at Divi now, the smoke or smell never came over this way.


[Linked Image]
Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: SANFILIP] #125070
03/24/2017 06:59 PM
03/24/2017 06:59 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Posts: 17,476
Ohio
Two weeks ago it was very visible from the airport but it was not creating much of a problem. It all depends on the wind direction, your sensitivity and the weather. Many locals (especially young children) were impacted.


J.D.
Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: ruralcarrier] #125071
03/24/2017 07:12 PM
03/24/2017 07:12 PM
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 109
K
kabs996 Offline
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kabs996  Offline
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K
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Posts: 109
I am coming in July.....isn't that rainy season? Shouldn't the fires be calm by then? Or is it worse in wet weather from the smoldering?

Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: kabs996] #125072
03/24/2017 07:18 PM
03/24/2017 07:18 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Posts: 17,476
Ohio
That is a long time away. I would still plan my visit and see what is happening when you get to the island. Winds, rain and weather can change and what is happening today will likely not be what is happening a week from today.


J.D.
Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: ruralcarrier] #125073
03/24/2017 09:03 PM
03/24/2017 09:03 PM
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 109
K
kabs996 Offline
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kabs996  Offline
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K
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 109
I am just torn about canceling my ressie at the Divi. My friends are staying there so we were going all together there.

Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: kabs996] #125074
03/24/2017 09:11 PM
03/24/2017 09:11 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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pat  Offline
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Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
Kabs,

I'm a 'what iffer' but if I were you and wanted to stay with my friends I'd skip the what ifs and book it, Danno.

There's no guarantee there will be dump fires during your stay, although given the dumps track record there is the likelihood there might be, but there's no certainty of the direction of the winds ergo the acrid odors.

We stay in the Mullet/Cupecoy area and we smelled it all the way over there for a few days on one of our trips but the fire had been burning the whole week before and we hadn't known it until that morning.

If you're truly concerned from a health standpoint you might want to bring a surgical mask or else pick another island. Not trying to be facetious but there's just no way to know..... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: Snorkeller] #125075
03/24/2017 10:13 PM
03/24/2017 10:13 PM
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 45
L
lucca44 Offline
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lucca44  Offline
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L
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 45
not only do the elected ministers seem unable to deal with the mounting problems on st.martin but they get paid a TON of money to attend all the photo ops you see in the Herald on a regular basis.i believe it is 10k a month per minister--no wonder why at election time there are so many candidates!

Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: ruralcarrier] #125076
03/24/2017 10:37 PM
03/24/2017 10:37 PM
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 250
K
KATEONTARIO77 Offline
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KATEONTARIO77  Offline
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K
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 250
In Anguilla, we had clouds of the smoke passing, dirty brown terrible.....kate <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/canada.gif" alt="" />

Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: KATEONTARIO77] #125077
03/25/2017 09:40 AM
03/25/2017 09:40 AM
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 535
norwalk, ct
D
Dansc Offline
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Dansc  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 535
norwalk, ct
Never was an issure at divi. The winds typically blow it towards the other side of great bay

Re: Dump continues to burn [Re: pasnyder] #125078
03/28/2017 09:30 AM
03/28/2017 09:30 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,470
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Posts: 82,470
Central Florida!


Carol Hill

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