Since the Treaty of 1648 has existed, the Saint-Martinois have lived in a binational territory with symbolic borders, strong in the precept of unity which is dear to them: One Island - One People - One Destiny!

For the first time in 372 years, physical borders have materialized between the north and the south because of the Covid19 virus.

Border control took place for the first time as part of an agreement between the government of Sint Maarten and the local representation of the State, at the specific moment of the joint confinement in April 2020. It was then resumed by France alone, in August when the epidemic resumed and Sint-Maarten was opened to American tourism.

The State's decision to continue these traffic restrictions throughout the month of September, on the recommendations of the Regional Health Agency, leads to a strong misunderstanding of the people of Saint-Martin, a misunderstanding that I fully share.

In fact, for the past 1 and a half months, indicators have shown that border controls have not made it possible to stop the circulation of the virus.

The initial argument, understood by many, consisting in wanting to establish a barrier to protect the French side against Covid-19 no longer holds up today.

On the contrary, these controls have caused major difficulties for our companies and accentuated social unrest that must be taken into consideration in all its aspects.

After multiple calls and warnings to the prefecture, the ARS and the ministries, Saint-Martin's request was unsuccessful.

I have decided to continue tirelessly to carry the voice of Saint-Martin and to support the position of Saint-Martinois by imploring the State to restore the free movement of goods and people between the two parts of the island. The survival of Saint-Martin is at stake.

The decision to maintain these controls instead of favoring cooperation between states and island-wide health management is a mistake. It does not respect the intrinsic values ​​of Saint-Martin and the way of life of Saint-Martinois. It does not recognize either the aptitude of Saint-Martinois to take the measure of this pandemic and to observe an adapted behavior and the recommended barrier gestures in the public space.

The demonstration announced today could once again have been avoided. If our appeal had been heeded, our island would not again be plagued by unnecessary tension. I only hope it won't be a "PPRN bis repetita"

The health situation remains worrying and must call for our full responsibility. This responsibility must be established between the two parts of the island and their respective states by means of a real health cooperation plan. This cooperation is possible if everyone does their part! Economic survival depends on it. Social cohesion too.

As elected officials, the return to a favorable health situation on the whole island, as well as the maintenance of social peace, remain our top priority.

We will therefore do everything possible to promote this joint health action plan covering the entire territory.

I asked the State that diplomatic intervention be carried out to support this health cooperation between our health agencies.

I spoke this day (yesterday) with the Minister of Overseas Sébastien Lecornu, he listened to my request. I await his position and his proposals in return.

In the same spirit, I will meet the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Thursday, September 17, to offer her the same approach.

I am convinced that it is through dialogue and consultation that we will jointly find a favorable outcome to this new ordeal ”.

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