SXMElections.com

~ Dutch will ramp up its external borders.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs is looking to hold discussions with the Prefete of St. Martin Sylvie Feucher on the border controls currently taking place that is limiting the circulation of Dutch citizens and residents on the French side of the island.
Jacobs said since her last telephone conversation on Wednesday last week she is unable to reach the Prefete even though she attempted several times and will continue to reach out. Jacobs said there is no need to point fingers as to who is doing what to combat the spread of COVID-19. Asked about what her government is doing the Prime Minister said the Minister of VSA is expected to make some announcements regarding fines and measures that are to be implemented to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Jacobs said that while there is an increased number of active cases on the Dutch side of the island and some clusters have been located it is quite difficult for them to really pinpoint the source of the spread. St. Maartens Prime Minister said when the shutdown was lifted there were people coming in from the United States through St. Barths while there were also travelers from Guadeloupe and Martinique that came to St. Martin. Those persons from places that have the virus also came over to the Dutch side so there is no way knowing who started the spread and the second wave of COVID-19. Jacobs said that the most both sides governments can do are sit and discuss and to also pool their resources. She admitted that while it is one island, decisions regarding health and border controls are taken by the State Government.
Jacobs said she is blamed for starting the border closers and controls because she asked for it the first time around but said there was an agreement back then.
As for Air France landing on the Dutch side the Prime Minister said St. Maarten needs that money and stopping the airline from landing on St. Maarten has ripple effects since the handling company is a Dutch-registered company and this would put a lot of people out of work. The Prime Minister said St. Maarten will beef up its external borders with stricter controls to better manage the spread of the virus.

In the meantime, Territorial Councilor Louis Mussington has organized a peaceful protest against the closing of the borders. This protest is planned for Saturday morning at the Bellevue Border.
It should be noted that the border controls is in effect until July 15th where the situation will be analyzed before a decision is taken on if the borders will reopen or if the controls will be extended.