Sandy Ground :--- On behalf of the board and staff of the Saint-Martin Tourism Office, I would like to express our heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of the victims of the deadly attack that took place last Friday night. Today the capital of the Republic mourns and as French citizens we support that city and its people with our solidarity and sympathy because this attack is a direct menace to all of us. Many of us who have lived, studied and now have children studying in Europe experienced the fear that came as we listened to the reports. We also prayed for their safety and wellbeing.
Friday’s violence, just a little over 10 months since the Charlie Hebdo attack, is an event that should fill us all with dismay because it signals, once again, the absolute disregard that extremists have for human life as they took their war from the battlefield in the middle east to the cafes, streets and concert halls in Paris.
One of the issues that was emphasized by Friday’s events, however, is that, as individuals and as governments, there is a need for us to be more vigilant. It is a wake-up call for all of us who travel, have family members outside of Saint-Martin or who are in the business of tourism. It brings into sharp focus the fact that we cannot be complacent and that measures to protect both our population and the visitors who come to our shores are in need of constant review and improvement.
Our prayers go out to the families and friends of those who were victims in Friday night’s attack. We stand together with our fellow citizens in Paris and say no to the fear that terrorists seek to make a part of our everyday. In addition, we encourage and support all nations in their efforts to put an end to these extremists and their determination to keep all citizens safe from terror.
Vive Paris! Vive La Republique! Vive Saint-Martin!
Office de Tourisme de Saint-Martin
