~ Says there are no demands at the State services from protestors.~
PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs said on Wednesday that she has been in constant contact with the State Services at the Prefecture of Saint Martin regarding the riot-like events on the French side on Tuesday. Jacobs said that based on the information she received from her counterparts are that the Collectif is not part of the ongoing protest that began early Tuesday morning and Tuesday night at various locations on the French side.
The Prime Minister said that she was informed that the Prefecture does not have any type of demands from those protesting and so far, no one has claimed responsibility for the damage done to properties during these protests. Jacobs said she was alerted early Tuesday morning about these events. She said the actions taken on the French side seem like a bit of sabotage as the countries both French and Dutch are pooling their efforts to build back the island after Hurricane Irma and the COVID-19 pandemic that began here on St. Maarten/St. Martin in March 2020. She said she concurred with the statements made by President Gibbs who said that this is the time to build the island and not destroy what they have. Jacobs said that based on the information she received is that the Collectif is not part of these protests, thus she feels the community leaders should come together and seek dialogue to resolve the situation at hand.
Jacobs said that she was also informed that a meeting is scheduled to take place today Wednesday that would seek to resolve the situation.
The Prime Minister said that there are 4 ships in port today and these protests are hurting the tourism product as the Cruise lines already expressed concerns with having their citizens on the French side of the island while in port.
Jacobs has since issued a call to residents of the French side, this includes the youths and parents for peace. She implored the protestors to seek ways to dialogue and resolve the issues affecting them.
