French Side Strike 4-11/Updated

STRIKE

Something to definitely keep in mind, for those on island. Hopefully it won't last long.

https://www.sxm-talks.com/the-daily...FohW5l490E64G3JbFUG4ZptaE7AoRd-E7XcqWBME

"Visitors should exercise the necessary caution to avoid crowds and areas where there are protests." Minister of tourism on the Dutch side Stuart Johnson...

https://721news.com/local-news/johnson-calls-for-consideration-of-safety-and-security-during-strike/

I wonder if any of the cruise ships will divert during this strike for fear of potential harm to their passengers?

I don't think they did the last time something like this happened.

I can see where the tourism minister for the Dutch side would be concerned, as SXM doesn't need any bad press right now. I guess we will see what affect this will have, come tomorrow..

The Gendarmes follow French Law and a new anti-riot law has passed in France giving much more authority to the police.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2uvqAh78RZI

That is good news. I never understood before why they would stand by and do nothing when roads are blocked.

Looks like we got off the island just in time. Hate it for visitors just arriving. Hopefully it won't last too long.

UPDATE

JD--I think that's the same info that Elaine posted, although her link was a link from something else to basically the same Daily Herald story.

From FB

Le Pélican Saint-Martin
2 hrs ·
Call for general strike
The protesters, about 60, are gathered on the seafront. A few dams have been erected and quickly released by the law enforcement. All road axes are open to traffic. No blocking or dams this morning.

Typical google translation. It means they are protesting along the waterfront and any blockages they have made have been taken down by law enforcement. No road blockages.

OK, thanks for the update. Hopefully calm heads will prevail and they can protest without disturbing traffic or destroying property. SXM does not need any incidents at this point.

Unions explain their position LINK

Many of their concerns seem very legitimate to me. For those of us who have visited both sides of the island it's painfully obvious that the french side is lagging well behind and this is troubling. We are now 19 months post Irma and it's time both parties work things out for the residents of St. Martin. If a controlled, well-mannered strike is necessary for get attention then so be it. But, in reality both sides need to meet on a continuous basis until agreements are reached that are beneficial for all. Strike isn't necessarily a bad word if it brings both sides to the bargaining table.

Looks like the big roundabout north of Marigot, the one connects Galisbay, Marigot, Rambaud on to Grand Case, is completely blocked. Glad I went to Super U yesterday!

And just now this:


Le Pélican Saint-Martin is live now.
6 mins ·
After 3 hours of occupation, the protesters leave the roundabout. Motorists are released. A delegation composed of the representatives of the main union got an appointment in the prefecture at 17 pm.

Sounds good...

Strike was small and no major problem.

Leslie--If there was a complete blockage of that roundabout for 3 hours, that seems like kind of a big problem to me??

Well my Dear Carol , I had to take two customers for them to catch the Ferry after nine this morning and there was no problem for us.

OK, but I understood that that roundabout where the blockage was would have been on the other side of the ferry from where you were coming from? Or maybe I am misunderstanding which roundabout it was?

Correct , in the outskirts of Marigot. They have a meeting at 5.00pm with the Government Officials.

OK, hopefully there is a quick resolution to the situation.

Do hope so too.

So we’re there blockades in other areas such as the roundabout in the Mt. Vernon area and coming from Philipsburg into Orleans? What aboutGrand Case?
Thanks,
Brad

No

DAILY HERALD FRIDAY

AND ANOTHER ARTICLE

Since the union leaders walked out of the negotiations does that mean they strike again today?

I have no idea.

I am arriving April 16 and hope this strike is resolved by then. However it appears to me that the main tourist district roads are being blocked to gain the protesters visibility to their problems. What if, when leaving the airport I drive over the Simpson Bay Causeway, take a right on Union Road towards Phillipsburg, left on A.J.C Brouwer road, right on Bush Road, left on A.J. IIIidge road, through Quartier D' Orleans, to Orient Beach? I don't think the amount of time is much of a difference and bypassing Marigot would be a plus in my opinion.
I am open for suggestions.

Thanks Jim,
New Smyrna Beach FL.

That would probably work, unless the location of the protests/strike changes.

Don't forget Carnival...

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=y7yVnmCA4dw

Coming soon!

https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islan...undation-launches-carnival-2019-schedule

Spending the next month in Cupecoy.

If the protesters dressed up in Carnival outfits the tourists would not know the difference.

Any update on this? What was the situation yesterday?

I have not seen any mention anywhere so no idea. Daily Herald had nothing today. Perhaps someone on the island can update.

No news could be good news.

We arrived yesterday (Sat) on Jet Blue fromJFK around 2:45. Fastest we’ve ever gone through immigration! Picked up by our rental car and rental contact person (Julie) and taken to Jardin d’O in Mt. Vernon. Fastest trip ever! No traffic, no sign of labor unrest,, etc. Spent today at the Club O beach-just doesn’t get any better than this especially after the winter from hell!
Brad & Barb

Arrived the 16th at 10:40, no problems, but there is road construction.