TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Demonstration on the French side Saturday April 20

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Those on island, be aware there will be a big demonstration on the French side, over the potential sale of the Beuperthey lands on April 20. Before making plans in the area of the Old House near Orient, folks should check social media.

Another story.
Auction May 13

ORIGINAL POST EDITED TO SHOW ANNOUNCED DATE

Very good news and the President has already bought another property for this Family . Blessings .

Found this article that says a lot but not enough for me to understand who’s who and what’s what.

https://www.soualiganewsday.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=9544:our-land-matters-a-brief-history-of-the-beauperthuy-succession-land-issues&Itemid=535

I will never understand this situation. I’m all for property ownership and rights but how did the Beuperthy’s get original claim to so much? Not a fan of Hawaii or USA farmland being gobbled just because someone can gobble it up. See the same sadness, in my view, of Florida oceanfront. Maybe there should be limits on how much of the earth a human can own and pass on.

I would never try to own a piece of SXM. Better to borrow via rent.

TJTrippe--the Beuperthey situation goes back into the 1800's, and involves huge chunks of the French side. As I understand it, part of the reason why the Club O land situation has never really been resolved, is because of the Beuperthey claims of ownership and who the rightful heirs are to that land, and there have been many, many transfers of those lands by various people over the years.

Yes one and of the late Father was killed under question till today.

@Kennys - was that post in code? I can't read any sense into it. Could you perhaps rephrase it?

I was wondering the same thing.

I think he means that the most recent Mr. Beuperthey was killed at the Old House in approximately 2015. The cause for the homicide isn't widely known, although the supposition is that it was a failed burglary.

Thanks Carol.

The Beach Bars on Orient Beach were leased out even though many considered the land was owned by the Beauperthuy’s.
https://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-...ent-of-com-lied-to-me-and-my-lawyer.html

The article really is just an opinion piece / commentary from the author. Much of the fight over the land sounds like a family squabble by distant relatives.

A peaceful demonstration will take place starting 9am today at the estate led by Louis Mussington.

Link please

Actually Saturday April 20th .

It's today unless they changed it last night.

Don't know if you can see this https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10228699751666104&set=a.2088510899789

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10228699751666104&set=a.2088510899789

Seems it has been changed. Collectivité de Saint-Martin Our News
·
↪️BEAUPERTHUY ESTATE
Collectivité Expresses Intent to Preserve Saint-Martin Heritage
President Louis MUSSINGTON and First Vice-President Alain RICHARDSON addressed the media today to articulate the position of the Collectivité of Saint-Martin regarding the Beauperthuy estate. Recent revelations in the New York Times concerning the potential auction of three plots have spurred the Collectivité into action, as negotiations were already in progress with the judicial administrator for their acquisition.
👉🏾President MUSSINGTON announced a peaceful protest scheduled for Saturday, April 20th, 2024, aimed at defending the centuries-old Saint-Martin heritage encompassing over 100 hectares. This demonstration underscores the Collectivité's commitment to continuing negotiations for the acquisition of this land.
Since 2023, the Collectivité has engaged in discussions with the judicial administrator to express its firm intention to acquire all plots, with the primary goal of safeguarding this invaluable land heritage and counter any potential real estate speculation.
👉🏾President MUSSINGTON stated, "The Collectivité has consistently voiced its aspiration to acquire these plots, not only to protect our land heritage but also to maintain social harmony within the territory. This matter was promptly communicated to the government upon assuming office, receiving their understanding and support."
👉🏾Vice-President Alain RICHARDSON emphasized the deep attachment of the people of St Martin to their land, declaring, "The revelation of the auction of certain historic plots in the international press reflects the eagerness of the rights holders to expedite sales without regard for the Collectivité's proposal. Our community is deeply connected to our land, and we stand united to preserve this heritage."
Following months of diligent efforts, the Collectivité has secured confirmation from the Guadeloupe Land Establishment (EPF) regarding its ability to acquire the plots on behalf of the Collectivité. This follows a comprehensive land assessment conducted by the State's real estate department, facilitating a quantified proposal.
With this support, the Collectivité is resolved to pursue negotiations with the judicial administrator.
↪️The approach involves three key phases:
- Resuming negotiations for the acquisition of all plots.
- Proposing legislation at the territorial council on April 30th to enhance the right of pre-emption. This initiative aims to strengthen the legal framework by introducing statutory, urban, and reinforced urban pre-emption rights, along with pre-emption rights for sensitive natural areas.
- Organizing a peaceful protest on Saturday, April 20th, to demonstrate the collective determination of the Collectivité and its inhabitants to safeguard these lands for future generations and deter real estate speculation.
👉🏾President Louis MUSSINGTON emphasized the preference for an amicable resolution and appealed for the cancellation of the auction scheduled for May 13, 2024, to facilitate ongoing negotiations.
"By deliberately omitting to inform us of the auction, the elected officials and the institution's expressed will were disregarded. Nevertheless, our focus remains on dignified territorial planning and the preservation of these 100 hectares for posterity. This is the essence of our fight," remarked President MUSSINGTON.
👉🏾He underscored the peaceful nature of the upcoming demonstration on April 20th and encouraged the entire population to participate in solidarity, emphasizing the collective responsibility to protect these lands.

OK, it seems wise to have scheduled this for a later date, to make sure everyone who wants to participate can. Plus those headed to and from Orient need to take heed, to avoid the area, as even if it is peaceful, I'm sure there will be road disruptions.

Changing the title of this thread to reflect the date.

Cannot tell what the statement of "Collectivité Expresses Intent to Preserve Saint-Martin Heritage" means. Not sure if this is something intentionally vague or am I missing something in the translation but I cannot fathom whether the French side government is sanctioning the protest, representing the rights of the people of St Martin or seeking to placate the people with the appearance of a peaceful resolution. The Orwellian word "doublespeak" comes to mind.

For your information , the President will do all that matters that to save the Family and the Island in general from loosing their land to outsiders , period . Very simple .

Thank you, now I understand

The demonstration is on for tomorrow. Access in and out of Orient Village will be blocked at both access locations starting at 9:00am until 12 noon. Hope I can get out at 8:30 and go sit somewhere to kill time before check in for a 2:20pm flight.

Thanks for bringing this back up, as I had forgotten about it. Hope you are able to get out ok.

Would love to hear about your vacation overall.

Thanks for the update

I love this thread!!!!!!!!

Got to get some friends to the airport tomorrow.

Im a free market type, but Im kind of tired of the ultrabucks being able to swoop up paradise and drive up prices for the average local. Happening SXM and everywhere.

Taking from another current thread, "Sh*t Happens".

Thanks for the update. Have dear friends staying in Orient Village who may be unaware of this peaceful protest?
I don’t want to alarm them so not sure what to text them yet till it gets started?

Left Orient 845

No problems, not alot of traffic coming or going.
Seemed normal.

Found this link which makes it sound like a fun family day bringing awareness of the Old House and such.

https://faxinfo.fr/en/association-manifestation-a-the-old-house-ce-samedi/

Not sure why they need to block the entrance to Orient Village? It is inconvenient and also a problem if an ambulance needs to respond to health emergency.

Don't know why they would need to block the entrance to Orient either. Hope no one misses their plane because they are unable to get out.

I have no problem with protests. Have at it. I do have a problem with protests that disrupt day to day activities.....many of which are essential. Law enforcement should take steps to ensure that doesn't happen. Just my two cents.

Returned to Orient yesterday around 1pm. No issues at all.

Glad you got back ok. Were the entrances to Orient actually blocked from 9 to 12, do you know?

There is a story today in the full version of the DH that the scheduled auction of the Beauperthey property which had been scheduled for next Monday has been 'suspended', pending more negotiation between the Collectivite' and the court administrator. Hopefully they will work it out.