~ Schools closed by Collectivity.~
MARIGOT: --- The Territorial Council along with several entities such as the Social Economic Council and representatives of the churches formed a committee that took a decision to call on the population to gather at the Marigot waterfront dressed in white at 10 am on Tuesday. President Gibbs called on the people to ensure that they must show up for a peaceful demonstration which he said will send a clear message to the state.
President of the Collectivity Daniel Gibbs made the announcement on SOS radio. The President supported by a delegation from the Council appeared on SOS showing solidarity as they all said that what the Minister of Overseas Affairs said about the contested PPRN is not acceptable.
VP Valerie Dameseau said that they want the PPRN retracted because the COM must refer the PPRN law when issuing permits.
Julien Gumbs shared his sentiments on the statements made by the Minister of Overseas Affairs when she said that all comments made by the population will be investigated. Gumbs said based on that statements he is of the opinion that was not looked into before. He said further said that the Minister called on everyone to take responsibility however, he feels that the State should also take their responsibility.
Louis Mussington in his statements is asking for the PPRN law to retracted since in his opinion it is not a moment to take back land from the vulnerable.
President of the COM Daniel Gibbs said that the COM has taken its responsibility by closing all schools since the COM is responsible for all school buildings. Gibbs said that there is no school transportation, and canteen therefore it is not feasible to reopen schools.
Jules Charville said that the Minister is not clear enough in her statements, because in his opinion the Minister does not understand or she has not felt the problems. He too called on the people to come out in masses in order to send a resounding message to the State of France. He said the COM stands united with regards PPRN and they want it canceled.
PACIFIC GATHERING TUESDAY DECEMBER 17 IN MARIGOT AT 10 AM
This afternoon, Monday, December 16th, the President of the Collectivité of Saint-Martin brought together all the elected representatives of the Territorial Council, the President of the CESC, the President of the CCISM, the Vice-president of the Youth Council, the representatives of the District Councils and the representatives of the churches, in a crisis meeting at the Collectivité.
The objective of this Territorial Operational Committee (TOC) is to join forces to propose concrete solutions to end the crisis and to appease. The actors present were able to express their point of view and their expectations. They also took note of the announcements made this evening by the Minister for Overseas, Mrs. Annick Girardin, concerning the PPRN crisis in Saint Martin.
These measures reflect significant progress, in particular, the correction of certain points in the PPRN, however, they do not meet the expectations of the population, which requests the suspension of the anticipated PPRN ... Insufficient, incomplete and overall disappointing.
In this context, the actors gathered jointly decided to continue negotiations with the State in order to obtain measures that meet the legitimate expectations of the Saint-Martiners.
In support of the territory and its inhabitants, the united actors of the Territorial Operational Committee have decided to organize a peaceful, apolitical and silent rally, tomorrow, Tuesday, December 17th at 10 am on the Marigot Waterfront by the Ferry Station.
The population is invited to join this peaceful gathering.
