video is heavy, got some unbelievable confrontation video between gendarme and that rasta. Lots more to come
MARIGOT–Association Bâtiments Travaux Publiques (BTP), the body that oversees the construction and public works sector, has organised a mass demonstration in Marigot this morning that is more than likely to cause traffic disruption.
Demonstrators will gather at the Agrément roundabout at 7:00am for a march towards the town that may include heavy equipment. A similar demonstration with a convoy of heavy equipment was organised by BTP a few years ago. It said the decision to take to the streets today had been made in consultation with all stakeholders and the population.
“Six years of explanations and six years of negotiations. It’s time to take action for St. Martin to be fairly considered,” BTP said in a release.
“We would like everybody to be advised that our concern is not limited to the contractors’ interests only, but to the whole of St. Martin’s activities and inhabitants. We are looking at long-term benefits guaranteeing stable economic development conditions. It is obvious that besides construction, all sectors will, at a point, be impacted by the lack of financial means and investments.
“It has been too long that St. Martin’s population remains silent regarding the negligence by authorities where the change of status that we chose is concerned. It has been too long that we see our island put in a direction we don’t like and that doesn’t provide any opportunity for our youngsters. For too long we have been deprived of equal conditions of development within the Republic of France.
“This Wednesday is the beginning of our action in Marigot and we hereby invite everybody to come out and join us with the strong conviction that we will change things and that we will be listened to.
“We also invite all parents, private sector workers, civil servants and all those who need to come to Marigot to join us massively or to take measures for our demonstration not to be a too heavy disturbance. It is about time the whole population of St. Martin stands together for one sole objective – to get what is due to us so we can manage our future better.”
BTP board member Franck Viotty said the notice of strike delivered to the Collectivité was from today, Wednesday, until Saturday, raising the possibility of further protests throughout this week.
“How long it [the protest – Ed.] lasts depends on the reaction we get from government,” he said.
SXM POLICE 1 