Opposition leader in the Territorial Council Louis Mussington spoke on Wednesday, criticizing the recent decision of Deputy Head of State Sylvie Feucher to regain border control due to the increase in COVID-19 cases on both sides of the country. 'Isle
He called the move an affront to the values and principles of the Treaty of Concordia (1648), unity and the free movement of people, adding that the border restrictions in June caused a series of administrative headaches that frustrated the population.
“I am not convinced that closing the border is a solution; it is an authoritarian decision which does not respect the unity, the uniqueness and the social cohesion which exist between the two sides of the island ”, he declared. “We need to get back to a much more conscientious attitude towards social distancing, wearing masks and washing hands. We have let our guard down, so the protocols need to be strengthened. We did it last time and we can do it again ”.
He said that although there is an increase in the number of cases in Europe, the borders are not closed there. “The border between France and the Netherlands is open, so why close the border between Saint-Martin and Sint Maarten? I do not agree with this decision ”.
Mr Mussington said it would be much more effective to expand testing at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) and have the island's two governments fund a rigorous program of mass testing. Prefect Delegate Sylvie Feucher recently indicated that it is not possible to carry out a second test after seven days.
“It would take a combined effort, joint cooperation on testing so that both sides can benefit. The respective health departments should provide the necessary service for a proper test. Paris and The Hague should contribute the necessary equipment. One party must not act and the other must not. The entry protocols must be very strict and any positive case must be sent back to his country on the return flight ”.
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