Marigot: --- Organizers of the MOCSAM march was somewhat disappointed with the low turn out to the march they organized this morning (Friday May 1). Protestors were supposed to gather in front of the Nina Duverlry School from 8am so they could march through the streets of Marigot. However, it was not until after 9am some of the supporters of the MOCSAM began gathering at the location where they were given information on the march.
Shortly after they marched through the streets of Marigot silently protesting some of the injustices the island is facing. One of those injustices is the expensive way of life on the French side.
The theme for the march President of the MOCSAM said was respect. That theme was fully explained to the few persons who made it their business to come out and protest.
While this is the first time residents of St. Martin were called to the street to protest on May 1, it is a known activity in other parts of the region and the Republic.
MOCSAM President Julien Gumbs said while several persons are speaking out against the injustice they are facing the locals does not seem to want to mobilize to fight against these injustices. He said while it seems as if they are loosing their time an d efforts the MOCSAM will continue to address issues affecting the community hoping that one day the people would rise up for their island.
One marcher Beverly said that ever since she came back to St. Martin 10 years ago she has been comparing prices in the region compared to France and she immediately realized that something has to be done. However, people back then was not focusing on these issues. She credited the MOCSAM for their effort since she felt the march "contre la vie chere" is a very good cause.
Speaking to the marchers after the march was Julien Gumbs who asked the people not to give up or be discouraged since there is a lot of work to be done. Gumbs said that the march held today is just the beginning because those present need to begin speaking to the neighbors, friends and colleagues about the cause. He said the MOCSAM has embarked on something new which is to march through the streets of St. Martin demanding respect from elected officials. He said already they are preparing for the next May Day march 2010.
Lenny Mussington said he believed one the reasons many people did not show up is because they are in the carnival mood. He said only this morning his daughter told him today is parade day and was wondering where he was heading to that early in the day. Sharing the same sentiments was Sujah Reiph who said that he was called to deliver a speech at one of the schools and when he asked the students what May 1 represents they all said FISH DAY.
Reiph said he immediately realized that there is a lot of work needs to be done on the French side when it comes to creating awareness. He said he is more than excited to hear that officials of the COM have changed the date of Fish Day to the first Sunday in May. Reiph said it is time for everyone to reclaim the day our forefathers worked so hard for and instead of partying and having fun the workers should use this day to highlight their grievances.
Present during the march was three councilors of the RRR, namely Alain Richardson, Louie Mussington and Noreen Brooks.