In a joint press release released this Tuesday, January 23, the State represented by the prefect Vincent Berton and the Collectivity of Saint-Martin via its president Louis Mussington confirm the remarks made during an exceptional press conference last Monday concerning the fences installed on Anse des Sables beach: the seaside must be accessible to everyone.
In Saint-Martin, preservation of the coastline and free access to beaches are priorities. Anse des Sables beach, located on a private shoreline plot of the Public Maritime Domain (DPM), is at the heart of current concerns, while two fences have been erected around this beach, obstructing the pedestrian passage along the coast.
Indeed, the first temporary fence was installed with the aim of securing the work carried out at the Beach Hotel, while the second was erected on the private plot of land bordering the DPM. National regulations are clear: no construction or obstruction of free movement is permitted on a longitudinal strip of 3 meters from the shore, thus preserving the path of pedestrians along the coast. The beach must therefore remain free of access. The press release specifies that offenses were noted, including an attack on free movement and the erection of a fence without planning permission. The Department of Environment, Planning and Housing drew up a report, which, according to Vincent Berton, promises to complete the procedures, was sent last Friday to the Public Prosecutor who will decide what action to take. For the State as for the COM, it is imperative to remember that these breaches are offenses punishable by fines accompanied by obligations to restore the premises, up to prison sentences. The prefecture of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin and the Community of Saint-Martin reaffirm their firm commitment to the preservation of the coastline and free accessibility to the beaches. The rules in force aim to guarantee a coastal environment preserved and accessible to all. The collaboration of all stakeholders is essential to maintain these fundamental values and avoid unnecessary tensions. Prefect Vincent Berton was once again very firm on the subject: “I am very attached to ensuring access to the seaside, the law is the same for everyone”. Louis Mussington also intends to combat the bad habits adopted at SXM regarding the privatization of the beach: “I am in line with what the prefect has just said, we are not in a banana republic, there are laws to respect and this is not the case here.” After visiting the premises concerned last Friday, the president of the COM met this Tuesday, January 23 with the co-owners in order to resolve this problem as quickly as possible. _VX
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