Marigot: --- The people of St. Martin must become more vigilant and if necessary they must be prepared to take action says senator Louis Constant Fleming. Fleming made a public address to the people on Friday morning on radio St. Martin he subsequently told reporters that he is concerned about the direction in which the island is going. Fleming said should there be the need for some sort of demonstration against the injustices he would be the one leading that demonstration. Just this week the one-year sanction placed on Fleming expired giving him the rights to speak out.
The senator said he already addressed his concerns to the Prefet delegue who recently returned to France and he intends to meet with the incoming Prefet where he would again lay his cards on the table. “There would come a time when our people would have to say enough is enough and take actions” Fleming said St. Martin is not a garbage dump and daily there are more beggars arriving to the island. “Right now the Red Cross and the Manteau de Saint Martin is only catering to these refugees from France instead providing emergency services.
Fleming said while there is no problem with the local government and the state government there seems to be problems with the French administration and the people of St. Martin. He said he wants clarification on the relationship with the government of France and St. Martin.
Fleming said the UMP led government supports St. Martin and they do have access to that government however, he needs to know what relationship the French administration has with St. Martin. Senator Fleming said over the past two years the French administration has been boosted on St. Martin, which is now creating problems. He said that right now the impression given is that St. Martin has become a police state and everyone is being scrutinized and being investigated. The senator said the personnel of the French administration are simple civil servants who do not own anything in their country and the minute they arrive here, they believe everyone is involved in criminal activities. “I am of the opinion that when they see St. Martiners are home owners they become jealous and are treating the islanders as criminals”.
“Recently we have learnt that a number of prominent people are being investigated by the French administration some of whom were placed in garde de vue as they are being interrogated.” According to Fleming, he is of opinion that there is some sort of jealousy existing within the administration.
Senator Fleming said several persons approached him and expressed their experience with law enforcement on the island. He said just recently homes in Lowlands were searched and the people who have a good standing on both St. Martin and the United States were highly intimidated simply because they brought in personnel that is working for them in the United States to work for them on St. Martin. “These people have invested millions on the island and they needed to be treated with respect. Most importantly the agents do not even speak English.”
The senator said while he is not against the law, he felt that homeowners must be notified of the laws that have to be respected. Fleming further explained that that he read some of the declarations, which left him shocked, some of the victims who signed declarations had to go back and sign counter declaration and there is gross abuse of power.
Fleming said the police presence on the French side is presently chasing away tourist from the French side because of the policing which involves the on the spot alcohol testing. He said he wants to know how many people have lost their lives on St. Martin roads because of drunk drivers. He felt law enforcement could be more constructive in solving crimes rather than harassing people on the road.
Senator Fleming said the people should not remain passive and allow this sort of treatment from the State because very soon they might even come in and take over the Collectivity.