Traveltalkonline.com Forums


SXM Cruise Schedule TTOL Sponsors SXM Travel Calendar
Forum Statistics
Forums39
Topics38,432
Posts310,084
Members26,538
Most Online2,218
Jan 21st, 2020
Top Posters(30 Days)
RonDon 115
pat 42
jazzgal 40
Todd 40
Member Spotlight
Angelface
Angelface
Washington, DC/SXM
Posts: 1,144
Joined: July 2002
Show All Member Profiles 
Today's Birthdays
ecco, OceanDrop, vincent
Who's Online Now
36 registered members (eilandmens, sugarae, eightzerobits, Kiles41, Travel Talker, Cap’n Rog, SXMScubaman, tradewinds, CaribbeanCanadians, sxm2001, JandIrene, ChiTownHarry, jrw, RickinAtlanta, SXMbeacher, mark37, charlie, SXMBND, GeorgeC1, pl3, SeaLady29, Kennys, Kevin_B, Beansbbq, 12 invisible), 963 guests, and 58 spiders.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Prefet condemns blockage #267975
11/05/2021 02:37 PM
11/05/2021 02:37 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,567
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content OP
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,567
Auburn, WA

SXM Sponsors
Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: SXMScubaman] #267977
11/05/2021 02:43 PM
11/05/2021 02:43 PM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
Traveler
BillandElaine  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
But doesn't do anything about it, even though it's "illegal".


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: SXMScubaman] #267984
11/05/2021 03:36 PM
11/05/2021 03:36 PM
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,496
Grenada
Zanshin Online content
Traveler
Zanshin  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,496
Grenada
I just returned from a trip to take some first-time visitors to Grand Case via Philipsburg and the windward side. We got a roadblock by hoodied kids on mopeds at the Dutch-French border; they first wanted money from us and I told them "no", then they wanted money for "food and drink" and I asked they "why" and after they told me "because of COVID and such" I told them "no" and they refused to let us through. I headed back and took the road along Oyster Pond (which I didn't know was still destroyed from Irma) but after rejoining the main road we passed some partial roadblocks in the Orleans Quarter there was a major one close to the butterfly farm which had burning tires and debris block the road. We returned the way we came and ended up at Pineapple Pete's and even there the effects were felt as they didn't have my selected meal because the daily delivery came from the French side and was blocked.

Who knows what they are ostensibly protesting against, the persons on the streets are just hooligans looking to make some money with those using "R"ental cars.


[Linked Image]
Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: Zanshin] #267985
11/05/2021 03:37 PM
11/05/2021 03:37 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
Zanshin--not a good visual for those first time visitors...


Carol Hill
Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: SXMScubaman] #267989
11/05/2021 03:45 PM
11/05/2021 03:45 PM
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,496
Grenada
Zanshin Online content
Traveler
Zanshin  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,496
Grenada
Right, they were shocked (and a bit afraid). I had my rental car deposit to worry about, otherwise I might have reacted differently; and in the end the road was blocked further downstream anyway so it wouldn't have brought me any advantage. But what kind of an idiot threatens you with violence and then blocks your car by putting himself on a moped in your intended driving direction? Certainly not anyone with even a rudimentary understanding of physics and tactics. And using "because of COVID" as a conversation gambit as to why I should give him my money wouldn't have gotten him far in his debating class, either laugh


[Linked Image]
Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: SXMScubaman] #267990
11/05/2021 03:50 PM
11/05/2021 03:50 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
Traveler
BeachKitten  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
Somehow I don't believe the thugs attempting extortion see the inside of classroom, much less that of a debate class! lol

Thankfully on Wednesday we had the most delightful day on Orient before all of this crap started.


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: SXMScubaman] #267991
11/05/2021 04:00 PM
11/05/2021 04:00 PM
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,496
Grenada
Zanshin Online content
Traveler
Zanshin  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,496
Grenada
I'm off to Grand Case again tomorrow, but this time I'll go via Marigot and doubt that there will any blockage. The news show pictures of people playing dominos in the middle of the road - that is the type of protest I'd accept (but grumble at) and is more likely to be an expression of legitimate grievance than kids using palettes and extorting money. I am sure they'd get a serious spanking if any of their parents found out smile


[Linked Image]
Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: Zanshin] #267995
11/05/2021 04:36 PM
11/05/2021 04:36 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
Traveler
BeachKitten  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
A list of the reasons for these blockages has been placed at the entrance of the bridge of Sandy Ground where the traffic remains closed
no to the sanitary pass
no to mandatory vaccination
no to the pprn
no to the seizure of our land
no to the increase of local taxes
purchase of our land at 1 Euro
priority to local recruitment
no more pressure on our young students for compulsory vaccination


Attached Files Protest.jpg

"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: SXMScubaman] #268003
11/05/2021 05:52 PM
11/05/2021 05:52 PM
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 7
Reading, Mass
T
Ted-n-Jan Offline
Traveler
Ted-n-Jan  Offline
Traveler
T
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 7
Reading, Mass
We are staying at La Playa and went to Philipburg yesterday to pick up a gift for my granddaughter, so we went through the barricades twice.

Some data:

- The barricaders were universally young, probably in their twenties.
- They were not well organized.
- The first barricade we ran into near Club Orient they were perfectly happy to let you through if you paid them. I paid them $5
- one well dressed young man on a motorbike offered to take us on a path to avoid the other blockades on the way to Philibsburg, which he did and I gave him another $10
- On the way back from Philibsburg I managed to avoid the French Quarter barricades with the help of my GPS
- We got through the barricades near club Orient again for $5
- Again the barricaders were all younger, but this time mostly on motorbikes and all seemed to be drinking beer

I talked to Zellman at Chez Leandra today and he got stuck in it yesterday with his young son. He talked to them about what they were protesting about and the ones he talked to had no answer other than “you should know”

So, not at all like other barricades I’ve seen.

Twenty somethings on motor bikes, drinking beer and taking money to let you through is not the norm.

In any case we are all set and can just rest on Orient for the rest of our trip

Ted

Last edited by Ted-n-Jan; 11/05/2021 05:52 PM.
Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: Zanshin] #268005
11/05/2021 06:01 PM
11/05/2021 06:01 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,567
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content OP
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,567
Auburn, WA
"I am sure they'd get a serious spanking if any of their parents found out"
I doubt that. A lot comes from bad parenting to start with.

Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: Ted-n-Jan] #268006
11/05/2021 06:03 PM
11/05/2021 06:03 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,567
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content OP
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,567
Auburn, WA
Paying them just makes them keep doing it and doesn't do any good for the situation.

Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: SXMScubaman] #268009
11/05/2021 06:35 PM
11/05/2021 06:35 PM
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 49
Knoxville, Tennessee
N
Need island time Offline
Traveler
Need island time  Offline
Traveler
N
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 49
Knoxville, Tennessee
You are exactly right. If they are making money on this and the government does nothing,they will keep on blocking the road.


We always need island time!
Ben & Katie
Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: SXMScubaman] #268010
11/05/2021 06:43 PM
11/05/2021 06:43 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,082
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
Traveler
boucharda  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,082
Massachusetts
So color me simple here BUT.....why can't the Gendarmes just say "Get the F out of here" and clear the road. Too simple?

Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: SXMScubaman] #268012
11/05/2021 06:58 PM
11/05/2021 06:58 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
Traveler
ruralcarrier  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
Originally Posted by SXMScubaman
Paying them just makes them keep doing it and doesn't do any good for the situation.

That is true with a lot of things.


J.D.
Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: SXMScubaman] #268015
11/05/2021 07:30 PM
11/05/2021 07:30 PM
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,155
Cobourg Ontario Canada
J
jeepers Offline
Traveler
jeepers  Offline
Traveler
J
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,155
Cobourg Ontario Canada
I hate the idea of paying money but in this case likely saved damage to a rental car.

Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: jeepers] #268020
11/05/2021 08:21 PM
11/05/2021 08:21 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
Sorry I don't think I would pay..


Carol Hill
Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: Carol_Hill] #268022
11/05/2021 08:29 PM
11/05/2021 08:29 PM
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 49
Knoxville, Tennessee
N
Need island time Offline
Traveler
Need island time  Offline
Traveler
N
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 49
Knoxville, Tennessee
We are not going to pay. The problem is since the cruise shippers can’t get to the French side, the Dutch side beaches will be very crowded because they are dropping all the cruisers there.


We always need island time!
Ben & Katie
Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: SXMScubaman] #268024
11/05/2021 09:09 PM
11/05/2021 09:09 PM
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 208
Iowa
bbeach Offline
Traveler
bbeach  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 208
Iowa
Why aren’t the gendarmes called and get the roads cleared instead of just driving around.

Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: SXMScubaman] #268065
11/06/2021 10:39 AM
11/06/2021 10:39 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,567
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content OP
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,567
Auburn, WA
Gibbs backs the Prefet.
Herald LINK

Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: SXMScubaman] #268070
11/06/2021 11:07 AM
11/06/2021 11:07 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
Traveler
BillandElaine  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
Yet they still do nothing.


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: SXMScubaman] #268080
11/06/2021 11:53 AM
11/06/2021 11:53 AM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
Biturbo Offline
Traveler
Biturbo  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
This is really getting tiring. We spend the vast majority of our time on the French side. In fact, we wouldn't even go if we had to spend our whole vacation on the Dutch side. We have a mini (10 days) visit in January planned, staying in Parc Orientale. Going forward, if things don't change, we will make different plans until (if) they do. We love the island as a whole and have been going since '85. Two years ago we were staying in Orient Village and the roads were blocked going into Grand Case. We had to take a boat from Anse Marcel to get to the airport. Hotels, restaurants and other merchants will lose money. Seriously, the gendarmes could open the roads and stop this.


I'm going where the weather suits my clothes.
Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: SXMScubaman] #268135
11/06/2021 09:00 PM
11/06/2021 09:00 PM
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,496
Grenada
Zanshin Online content
Traveler
Zanshin  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,496
Grenada
I drove to Grand Case today on the leeward side via Marigot and there was no issue, and decided to try Sandy Ground as well. Half of the road was blocked by a burned out car right on the far side of the French bridge but everyone was just driving around it, as did I. No issues at all today...


[Linked Image]
Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: SXMScubaman] #268142
11/06/2021 10:04 PM
11/06/2021 10:04 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,260
Kennys Online content
Traveler
Kennys  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,260
They blocked the road this afternoon at 5.00pm and we all had to turn around and go via Oyster Bay .

Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: Carol_Hill] #268163
11/07/2021 08:15 AM
11/07/2021 08:15 AM
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,772
So. Shore MA.
jollymonsrv Offline
Traveler
jollymonsrv  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,772
So. Shore MA.
Agree. Heard the same scenario from a couple at the greenhouse happy hour Saturday afternoon

Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: Kennys] #268308
11/08/2021 11:28 AM
11/08/2021 11:28 AM
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 48
Toronto, Ontario
L
lovemysxm Offline
Traveler
lovemysxm  Offline
Traveler
L
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 48
Toronto, Ontario
Any update on the road blockage?

Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: lovemysxm] #268316
11/08/2021 11:46 AM
11/08/2021 11:46 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,567
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content OP
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,567
Auburn, WA

Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: SXMScubaman] #268342
11/08/2021 01:23 PM
11/08/2021 01:23 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
Biturbo Offline
Traveler
Biturbo  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
This all sounds good in theory, and I'm not normally a glass half-empty kind of person, but...We're still planning to stay in Parc Orientale in January, however we'd have to think long and hard about another visit if these roadblocks continue.


I'm going where the weather suits my clothes.
Re: Prefet condemns blockage [Re: Biturbo] #268343
11/08/2021 01:27 PM
11/08/2021 01:27 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
I don't really blame you, but once you are within Orient Baie, you would probably be OK. It does give one pause though. Not really looking forward to young thugs on the street, demanding money for passage..


Carol Hill

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.6.1