Marigot: --- For the second straight day in row residents of French St. Martin has decided to make their voices heard in the community as they fight against violence and insecurity which is plaguing the island. Just last Saturday a 21 year old French National was stabbed in the chest in an alleged robbery incident at an ATM machine in Simpson Bay. The victim identified as Victor was laid to rest yesterday morning but mourners, relatives and friends decided to hold a march in memory of the young vibrant youth who only months ago came the island and was working in a restaurant. The family members of the victim and supporters of the Metropolitan community gathered at the Salle Omni Sports in Galisbay at 2pm.
Led by the Police Territorial the family members held framed photographs of the victim and walked through the streets of Marigot to the Collectivity.
On their arrival President of the Collectivity of St. Martin Frantz Gumbs came outside to greet the mourners and was hoping that he would meet with the immediate families privately but the marchers demanded that Gumbs find a microphone and address them since they want to know what the local government would do to reduce crime and violence on the once friendly island.
The President who was not prepared for a public speech entered into the police car to address the large crowd mainly from France. Gumbs said he shares the pain at the loss of Victor as well as that of the Flemings who marched on Tuesday night condemning violence in society. He said while the crime rate has to be reduced and something has to be done to deal with the situation which is escalating, the local government and gendarmes cannot reduce crime by themselves. Gumbs said it would take everyone living on the island to fight this battle. "Parents would need to do their part, teachers, the churches and everyone else if we are to eradicate crime."
He insisted that the associations, the community councils and everyone would have to put their heads together if they are to attack this unacceptable situation.Gumbs then asked the immediate family to join him in his office where he would listen to their story and then pass it on to those responsible for security which is the State. Gumbs said is only responsible for prevention of delinquency. However, Mathias Durand Reynaldo one of the senate candidates asked Gumbs what the newly elected senator is doing for St. Martin in the Senate since he has been collecting a Euros 15,000 monthly. "Louis Constant Fleming is holding that position for the past two months and we need to know what he is doing for the monies he is getting". While the crowd cheered and clapped when the questions was posed Gumbs refused to engage Reynaldo. Immediately after a minute of silence was held and the immediate relatives of the deceased was escorted to the office of the president where they share their pain.
In the meantime, the business community met at the Tourist office on Tuesday where they decided to plan a march for later this month. It is understood that the two sides will be holding this march together, stores and all other businesses is expected to close their doors as they fight against insecurity. Sources close to the organizers said that this march may well be held on St. Martin's Day when delegates from both sides of the island would be meeting on the French side.
In written statement to the media the President of the Collectivity Frantz Gumbs said after the drama which took place last Thursday in Low Town, having taken away the life of a young mother and her infant we mourn your loss. We are also mourning the loss of Victor due to violence which has thrown us in a state of distress.
"We express our thought with you the parents of the victims and we will take this matter of violence up with our partners which affects each and every one of us."
