road block

N7 between French Quarter and Le Galion is blocked for a protest today, both directions.

That will make a lot of people happy.

Back in October when the N7 was blocked in the French Quarter I posted a comment about how blocking roads could negatively impact the businessmen and the tourist industry on the Island. I posted that this type of disruption of traffic by protesters was setting a dangerous precedent. My comment was called "ridiculous".
Looks like there are some big ships in port toady.

Nothing like biting the hand that feeds you.

SXM Wendell

What are the stated issues they've been unable to resolve? Is this about the remaining tenants in the new construction on Orient?

I left just in time.

They have a right to protest and this is how they do it. Not a 'dangerous precedent' at all. This is their home. We are visitors. Visitors who are 'inconvenienced' and angry about legitimate protests need to get over themselves.

Hi, will be interested in what the protest is about.
Guessing the location will stop cruise taxi loads getting to Orient via the shortest route vs a full shut down of the Fr side. Wonder if the cruise ships knew in advance and they could let passengers know?

J&B

It's about the high rents and unfinished work of the new Orient Beach buildings.

The protest is about the new Orient beach restaurants...Rent, not up to French code, no bars, no roofs, cost, unacceptable 3 yr contract, length of time people out of work (8 months) high cost of project etc. Road is blocked from the Cadisco Gas Station to Spring in French Quarter. No entry or exit at this time. After a few hours, taxis and buses are usually allowed in & out, but you never know Usually last several days.

Hi, do you mean the Cadisco just north of Orient?
If yes then a complete block to any traffic in or out of Orient
J&B

Who decides which cause is legislate?

Yes, complete block in and out of Orient. You can park somewhere and walk in, if you choose.

I take a much different view on this. Blocking a public road is not a legitimate way to protest. It presents a very real safety issue as well as an economic one. We are much more than visitors,we are the very lifeblood of this Island. They have nothing else. Simply because someone has an issue with a governmental policy or decision does not grant licence to create safety concerns and adversely affect other people's livelihood.
An inconvenience is the store not having your favorite wine. This is much more.

Cheers

How late are the closures lasting? My family and I arrive Friday late afternoon and are staying in Orient Village. We have six people plus a 2 year old, and a lot of baggage. There will be no walking in.
I wonder what the owners of the open businesses on Orient are thinking or doing. I would be pissed if people were blocking my revenue stream from getting to me.

I talked to a few workers at Club Orient and they had to walk in this morning.

Someone who was leaving today said their plan was to catch a cab to one side of the protest, disembark and board another cab on the other side of the protest.

What a mess.

How many people are in this protest? One way or another my van is getting to my condo.

It should be over by Friday. They usually last less than 24 hrs. It's a common occurrence in France and St. Martin.

Thanks Naked. Let's hope so. While I understand their frustrations and I know they have a right to protest, blocking public roads and pissing off the very people that you want as customers, is not the way to do it.

I for one believe they have this right to protest. When the gov't ignores all other means of negotiation the only way to get their attention in certain cases is to make a very public scene.

I understand that tourism is the lifeblood of the island i disagree that they should just suck it up and take what they get because they dont want to inconvenience the tourist. That attitude is the way to get the people serving you on the island to quickly not care about level of service and do the bare minimum. If anything we (the tourists) should be supporting them when they are wronged so they understand we are with them and not just looking at them like "the help"

Very thoughtful post and I agree with you on some of your points.

This is a typical means of protest here and one of the few they have at their disposal. As a visitor caught up in it I'm sure I wouldn't appreciate being involved and inconvenienced but I get their plight and I respect it.

If this is the end product of the total fiasco that was imposed on the OB business people by the government, I don't blame them at all for being pi$$ed, as inconvenient as their actions may be to the average tourist.

I also agree that these protests are generally of short duration so I'm thinking it will be over before most even know it happened. Hopefully, those there can rearrange their needs and plans and work around it.

Sometimes on vacation we have to suck it up and deal with things. This, I'm thinking, will be one of those times. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

It is the height of arrogance to assume as outsiders that we have all the facts to draw any conclusion or take sides. If these protests break the law or endanger public safety then the appropriate action needs to be taken. We as tourist have no business in the internal affairs of the island. Our interests are well represented by the business and tourism industries.
This does not represent a condescending attitude as you imply, quite the opposite. It respects the rights of both sides to work it out and mind our own business.
Cheers

I am not saying we have a right to take sides but we do have the right to stay out of the way and allow them to protest. Not sure in what way they are threatening public safety, i am very sure if it was an ambulance or police they would move to allow them through. Inconveniencing some tourist is not public safety.

Did not meant to come across condescending so apologize if it did.

As I am not versed in the laws of SXM, can someone tell me how blocking a public road is legal? And why aren't the other business protesting the protestors?
If they are blocking the road, and will not allow me to get to my condo, and my daughter needs to eat or nap, I will be beyond mad. I'm not an activist who is going to cheer their cause while my daughter cries. I'm a tourist who worked hard for my money, to pay to come to their island and spend money at their businesses. Protest to the side of the street, and I will support your business. Block me from entering and you will never see a dime.

there is no side of the road there and we have plenty of protests in the US where they block the roads, we just have the luxury of having multiple ways around things usually whereas they have one road in essence

i understand about your daughter but these people are talking about the ability to even have the chance to work hard for their money which they most certainly do.

Visit Canada ...protests do take place . Most recent road blockage in Toronto involved the taxi industry protesting the unregulated Uber ride business . Not very popular here either with locals and tourists . If one decides not return to Toronto , Montreal or Orient ...that is their choice ...
While in Sxm I am so relaxed ..it really doesn't matter ...

If I was there I would not care one bit about missing a trip to Marigot or to Grand Case... I would, however, be incredibly upset to either arrive and be unable to get to the condo I rented in Orient Village or to miss my flight because I couldn't get to the airport... Happy to play along as I generally agree that the vendors are getting the shaft... but not happy to miss a flight or be left homeless in a foreign country

To do that in the US, you need permits, and authorization, or you will land in jail. They are not just protesting, they are blocking the way for people to get to their homes.
I just know that if after 14 hours of travel, if that protest is still going on, and they won't let us through, there are going to be issues.

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

not true, i have seen many protests in the us take place with no permits and as you can see from the most recent posts the people in the area are joining in so it seems they are unhappy with recent moves by the gov't. I understand your not wanting to be inconvenienced but this is these peoples lives

Is this a reply to me? All I did was post the newspaper article. I'm not inconvenienced at all, in fact, I agree with the protest. Must be you were referring to someone else's comment?!

not not at all naked, was to the post right before yours. Thanks for the info. Getting pictures from the protest as we speak and i will post.

nd pictures. Sorry they are sideways

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hph...amp;oe=5755BA2F

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hph...amp;oe=5761A667

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hph...amp;oe=578D39AE

We were on Orient today. Pretty dead. There were several cruise ships in port that had to go to some
other beach. Maybe that was good for the Dutch side. Several bars that have been open could not today because they could not get there. Kon Tiki opened but closed early. Sad for the owners that are there.

not getting to the airport would be more than an inconvenience for me - lost $$ due to having to find a new flight and the potential of being in trouble at work if I don't make it home on time - we have only one or two options flight wise as we come from the MidSouth, so it's not like we can just go later... so to say that it is simply an inconvenience is not entirely true...

however, again I generally sympathize with the protests and hope that the vendors get some relief, though I think it is unlikely

I hope they get some positive results. What the government has done to them is not right.

we shall see. I agree on the flights and it seems based on the post from Naked that they are letting some through with police so i am sure it can be handled but it is not easy for sure. As others have said, as in France, the protests usually dont last too long.

the huge electro music festival begins today/night with some venues in Orient...what a disaster this will be for the event organizers, and ticket holders and the supposed 1500 tourists who are flying in for this event...MANY were on my plane coming in yesterday

i would be be shocked if it goes on past this afternoon. would probably wrap up and start again tomorrow if they dont get to meet with the gov't official they want to meet with

If you don't respect another sovereign nation's way of doing things, perhaps you should not go?
Indeed.
irina <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

Irina,

Why do I think everyone's getting all worked up over something most of us would not even have known about if not for the internet posting here, though posting it was a good thing for most people to read about it, and that chances are very good it will be over by this evening or tomorrow night at the latest?

Do you remember any lasting longer than that, Irina? I do feel sorry for those who were actually inconvenienced - like the people who live there and actually HAVE to get out, but they've always made allowances for fire and medical emergency responders and the like so it really isn't a safety thing as far as I know.

Its the way things are often done there - nothing new, and as far as I can tell, nothing illegal by French side island law. Inconvenient? Yes! And particularly so to visitors who don't get it, but it is what it is. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

I agree Irina, well said. Of course it affects the tourists. Disrupting the government's cash cow is sometimes the only way to get them to listen. To those who are upset by this action should thank their stars it isn't an uprising, a military coup with death & destruction as in some countries. Then you'd be worried more about your lives than whether or not you can get to a beach!

At 6:00 AM Soualiga Capt. took a drive towards Grand Case from Oyster Pond to check out the sea conditions. He got caught in a roadblock in French Quarter entering Orient so he turned back.

He called the local radio station & other charter company owners to let them know what was going on & he decided to post on TTOL to warn anyone thinking of traveling from Oyster Pond to Orient today. We also canceled our charters today due to choppy sea conditions.

Sure, it's unfortunate for those vacationing, doing business, we all do the best we can, deal with it, that's life. You can complain but you will not change anything.

Vive la France! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

On the island now, thank goodness I pulled this up this morning before the six of us left for the French side. Went to mullet instead, never have I seen it so busy...Rosie not doubt did very well today. Great sun and occasional big waves. Cancelled all of our French side plans for our last three days. Time is too short to deal with this

Heard at the Perch that protest was to end at 4:00pm.

We just tried to get through at 4:30 and still blocked. There was a dirt road near Galion this am that some of the workers at Orient could get through but the protestors blocked with boulders.

Irina, am I wrong to think that when I book a trip to a tourist destination, that I should be able to make it to the condo I'm paying thousands of dollars for? Am I wrong to be upset about the possibility of my family and I, including my 2 year old daughter, not having a place to stay because these restaurant owners have decided to block a public road? Maybe if you were faced with this scenario, you may not be so supportive of their actions.

If the protest is still going on when you arrive be careful as to what kind of issues your talking about. You might be the one that ends up behind bars. Remember, this is not the United states.

It's not just about the restaurants on Orient Beach. It's also about the Govt plan to tear down the Tropical Wave Restaurant on Galion and about preventing the use of lounges on Grand Case Beach. If the people don't do something, then tourism in St Martin will suffer. The protests are not dangerous and usually end before dark. It's the French way. I'm sorry you are inconvenienced, but it's better to stay calm since there is absolutely nothing we can do about it. The people in St Martin know this is usually the only way to get the Govt officials to listen. If we love this Island, we should be supportive. It's not an illegal protest.

Does anyone know where and how we can find out when it is open? We need to get out of here in the morning and we have friends who need to get to the airport tomorrow as well.

Oh, Island Lover, it's not a matter of being supportive of these actions but more of understanding that any time you travel there can be and often are things that go wrong and this is but one of them. It's all part of the travel experience. Look how many got caught up and stranded in France last year when Air France went on strike.

And while no one can say it with absolute certainty. THERE IS EVERY CHANCE THIS ACTION WILL BE LONG DONE BEFORE YOU ARRIVE WITH YOUR FAMILY. and you're worrying needlessly. Why not wait until tomorrow and if there's still an action going on, you might want to check with your trip insurance carrier and see how they handle trip interruptions.

It is not the protesters that blocked the road it was the police doing what they are told by a corrupt & ignorant
collective. Funny the top 2 officials are off the island today.
I feel sorry for the venders & business's on O beach but
the collective is behind this & needs to take the blame.
Will they man up, hell no.
The past 2 weeks business is way down at Orient & I would
estimate 50% but the venders are trying.
Lots of people on the beach, before todays screw up, are
talking about not returning next year & I am talking people that come year after year.
When government gets involved it always turns to s--t
By the way collective wasn't the cost 3.5 million to revamp
the buildings & beach.If this is true there is a hell of
a lot of kick back in that price tag.

Today's article in the Herald.

https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/55...-up-for-protest

It's the people blocking the roads, not the Police and not the Collectivitie. The Police and Guandarme are close by to be sure it all stays peaceful.

Very interesting situation. We arrived today and en route to our lodging on Orient Beach we were blocked at the roundabout near Simply Market. Made the decision to park at Mont Vernon and walk to Club O with our valuables in backpacks. We're about to hike back down (local time 5:40) to retrieve our car and suitcases and MAYBE be able to drive back. Not sure what plan B will be. We'll post an update later. Hope the two parties can work this out but understand that it is difficult.

Some tourist were escorted through the road block to catch their flight earlier today.

Are you here on the island? I know what I saw & what people
are saying.
The owners & workers do not want it not to be peaceful.
It is the collective that is causing the problem
You are about informed as a junkyard dog.

Enough of the personal attacks!

Yes, I live here and am more informed than you think. Try to be a little nicer in your comments. This is supposed to be a supportive, helpful and informative forum, not a place to call people names.

I ran into the road block this morning around 10:00am. I am staying at Princess Heights but like the beaches up in Orient Bay. I went back to get some lunch at Simpson Bay and wanted to head to Mullet Bay beach. I decided to head up to Marigot then over to Orient. Bad idea.

The police had the road blocked off at the rotary by Ansel Beach and had to go al the way around again. it seems the road block basically forced traffic along the western coast - the roadways were incredibly incredibly congested. Basically the problem with the road block was just not traffic in and out of Orient Bay area.

This site is great! I just found it with Google Search for "Road Block" and "Orient Bay" or something. nice find.

This thread is a carbon copy of the one that started when the last protest/road blockage happened. The only difference is that the island folk that explained the ins - and - outs of St. Martin demonstrations are no longer with us because of the hostile reaction to their comments.

I said enough on the personal attacks, what is is that everybody does not understand???????????

This thread is done!