MARIGOT:--- Protestors residing on the French side started off Thursday morning with roadblocks which later escalated with fires being lit on the roads. Vehicles and garbage bins were set alight as the protesters protested against the final report of the PPRN.
The blockages started off in Sandy Ground and Agrement which led to severe traffic back-ups. The protest then moved to several sections of the French Quarter, the deviation road was blocked at first preventing any flow of traffic towards Marigot and into French Quarter, later the protestors blocked R-N 7 entering French Quarter. A hearse that was on its way to recover a deceased person was denied access as the few protesters that gathered in French Quarter clearly denied access to the hearse.
President of the Collectivity Daniel Gibbs called on residents to calm down and not to destroy properties in the name of anger. Gibbs said he was shocked by the press release issued by the Sous Prefecture on Wednesday and the unqualified opinion of the PPRN commission of inquiry. Gibbs said he is calling on the community to communicate properly as he strongly believes that is how battles are won and not by violence. He further stated that his elected officials are doing everything in their power to make their voices heard about the issues related to land.
The protest action brought out the Gendarmes in large forces to combat the protesters, in some areas it is reported on social media that tear gas was used.
Up to the time, this article was written the access roads across French St. Martin is still blocked.
