~ Collectivity seeking alternative solutions for local butchers. ~
MARIGOT: --- The Collectivity of Saint Martin and the Prefecture has decided to officially close the doors of the abattoir located on the Grand Case stretch to facilitate much-needed repair works that have been pending since the passing of Hurricane Irma on September 6th, 2017. The COM managed to secure funds from the European Union for the much-needed repairs of the facility.
A meeting was held with local butchers and those in the field of Animal Husbandry on Friday at the Chamber of Commerce where the news of the official closure was disclosed.
According to the information provided on Friday, the abattoir must fully close its doors for 14 months for the facility to be fully repaired and built in such a way that local entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to conduct all butchering at the facility.
No more under the tree butchering will be allowed.
While the facility doors are closed no type of butchering will be allowed to take place under the trees or even in people’s backyards. The COM and its team will be conducting rigorous controls to ensure the health and hygiene of meat on Saint Martin.
The two main butchers on Saint Martin that do their trade at the Marigot market are now in limbo until the Collectivity finds viable solutions to accommodate the proper and legal way of handling meat on the island.
So far, the Collectivity has decided to compensate animal farmers for their animals since they would not be allowed to sell or butcher their animals in the territory as long as the abattoir is closed.
Sint Eustatius Health and Hygiene standards must be equivalent to French laws.
The two butchers also have to wait for the Prefecture to give them the green light to continue importing meat from Sint Eustatius since the Prefet already indicated that he needs to ensure that the meat coming from St. Eustatius meets the French health and hygiene laws.
SMN News spoke to the local butchers on Saturday who said that they do not know exactly what will happen in the coming months if a sound solution is not found. Louis Whit who has been butchering for the past 50 years said that something must be done since butchering and selling his meat is his livelihood and he does have bills to pay at the end of every month like everyone else.
Daniel Arnel a Territorial Councilor, who assists with the controls is more optimistic, he said the COM is working diligently to find a solution for the two butchers that have been recognized by the COM. He assured that President Louis Mussington will not allow local businesses to close while the repairs take place and if there is no other option then they will be compensated for lost wages.
