Forums39
Topics39,564
Posts320,870
Members26,686
|
Most Online4,031 Dec 15th, 2024
|
|
Posts: 7,378
Joined: November 2002
|
|
31 members (Zanshin, Kennys, alecu7, SXMBND, JandIrene, xrayman67, SXMScubaman, BillDauterive, knitsoftwear, CLIFFTOPS, CaribbeanCanadians, mark37, Whale Tail, Todd, Don_and_Linda, Alltech63, eightzerobits, SXMbeacher, RickinAtlanta, RonDon, pedalpusher, JeanneB, jrw, MrEZgoin, bailau, bostonbob, cabokid, 4 invisible),
1,476
guests, and
93
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
#71954
10/22/2015 09:36 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,992 Likes: 4
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,992 Likes: 4 |
Carol Hill
|
|
|
.
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,506 Likes: 5
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,506 Likes: 5 |
There is a lot of chatter about this on another site from people who live on the island and the latest update is that negotiations are not going well so they expect it to continue to be blocked. I should say into the evening.
Last edited by fabila; 10/22/2015 12:07 PM.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,821 Likes: 2
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,821 Likes: 2 |
Fine by me, I am more than happy to spend my visit on the Dutch side.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 5,079 Likes: 11
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 5,079 Likes: 11 |
I must have missed what the PLU is / is planning to do??
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,241
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,241 |
What is the PLU and why are residents upset?
That's why I wander and follow La Vie Dansante, that's all I want, La Vie Dansante (JB)
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,992 Likes: 4
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,992 Likes: 4 |
I don't really understand it, but I guess it's like zoning laws. But there is also some component of people who have owned land for generations now have to pay the government for it. Found this in the Daily Herald
Carol Hill
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,241
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,241 |
OK, what I got from this is that residents are protesting 2 main items: An increase in population density in Grand Case & Marigot due to the building height restrictions being relaxed (now buildings cannot be higher than 3 floors).
Zoning changes that would make certain areas (the Lowlands?) as agricultural zones.
Does anyone else have any input?
That's why I wander and follow La Vie Dansante, that's all I want, La Vie Dansante (JB)
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,484 Likes: 4
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,484 Likes: 4 |
jazzgal said: I must have missed what the PLU is / is planning to do?? PLU is the Plan Local Urbanize. It deals with rezoning areas as urban.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,992 Likes: 4
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,992 Likes: 4 |
From the updates on that story, with the four cruise ships in port today, there may be some cruise ship passengers who miss their ship!!
Carol Hill
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,160
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,160 |
SXMScubaman said:jazzgal said: I must have missed what the PLU is / is planning to do?? PLU is the Plan Local Urbanize. It deals with rezoning areas as urban. I'll have to agree with the protesters. However, it's about impossible to fight "big money" interests.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,484 Likes: 4
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,484 Likes: 4 |
Carol_Hill said: From the updates on that story, with the four cruise ships in port today, there may be some cruise ship passengers who miss their ship!! Can you imagine all those tour buses trying to make u turns when they reach the road block. Hope they knew about this before heading out. Going to be a quiet day at Orient Beach and other french side beaches. Bet SSBB and Mullet are packed with all these displaced cruisers. Lots of chairs and umbrellas set up in Great Bay today.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,217 Likes: 1
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,217 Likes: 1 |
Is the road blocked from Philipsburg to Orient Beach for the cruisers?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,484 Likes: 4
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,484 Likes: 4 |
This was in the article from above: "visitors to the island might suffer because they will be blocked in on the French side and miss their cruise ships, however, she said that at this particular moment they will leave the Oyster Pond border open in order for taxi drivers to take the tourists they have with them back to the French side. Carty did not say how long they will leave the French Quarter border open but she made clear that the issue affecting St. Martin people is on the front burner and unless the elected officials decide to stop the PLU and go back to the drawing board they will not stop the protest action and the blocking of all entrances to leading to the French side of the island."
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,631
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,631 |
The only roads blocked are the 3 main roads into Marigot. The road from Philipsburg to Orient Bay and Grand Case are open.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,992 Likes: 4
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,992 Likes: 4 |
Bob--Those roads were re-opened then, or the story was wrong, they were never closed?
Carol Hill
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752 |
the latest word I heard on Facebook is that grand case airport, french quarter, oyster pond are blocked. They are asking all taxi drivers, tour bus operators to move through the oyster pond border and take all visitors they have with them back to the dutch side as the protest action and road blocks are now spreading out. the only exit and entrance that will remain open is oyster pond
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,992 Likes: 4
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,992 Likes: 4 |
One of the ships was supposed to leave at 3, according to the port schedule, and is still there, so I guess the ships may be late leaving today..
edit... One ship is leaving now. I can't imagine that there are a lot of people stuck somewhere, if that ship is leaving..
Last edited by Carol_Hill; 10/22/2015 02:40 PM.
Carol Hill
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752 |
Ursula from I Love My Island Dog lives n French Quarter..she just posted on FB that french Quarter is blocked..no access to oyster Pond any more
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,506 Likes: 5
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,506 Likes: 5 |
Posted an hour ago that Grand Case blocked now too, French Quarter to come by woman Barbara mentions.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8 |
If anyone hears of a way to get to the French side or if protests are listed will you please post? We arrived today and are waiting on the Dutch side to be able to drive to orient beach! Thanks!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 879
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 879 |
souali....we just came back from Orient. beach boys were running down the beach advising folks to head out asap. We are staying in Oyster Pond. Took route back to Orlenas and there was a white van blocking the road right at the intersection for turning onto the coastal route. Must just have been put in place around 2:30 as there were not many cars backed up. I've used detours there in past so knew where to duck into to bypass and pick up the coastal road close to the canal bridge. However, the road was blocked for sure. For how long, don't know as we boogied right out of there. Myslef, I suspect the timing was designed to catch as many cruiser busses in the gridlock and force ships to either sail without them or stay in port.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 879
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 879 |
Talked to our unit manager who lives just down the row from us. He is a resident and knows the roads. Was in Grand Case, cannot get to Oyster Pond.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,631
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,631 |
Glad you got through. I'm not going anywhere from my house in Oyster Pond.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752 |
outofthebox said: If anyone hears of a way to get to the French side or if protests are listed will you please post? We arrived today and are waiting on the Dutch side to be able to drive to orient beach! Thanks! from all reports, this is going to last quite awhile
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,595 Likes: 2
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,595 Likes: 2 |
I have always thought the French side more visually pleasing because of the lack of high-rises and "clutter". It looks like the country side of France.
I realize the island depends on tourism but at what cost? For those who remember how Simpson Bay & Maho looked in the 70's I ask is it better now that it looks like another Las Vegas?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,992 Likes: 4
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,992 Likes: 4 |
Wow, outofthebox, that is tough. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> What an arrival day!!!!
Carol Hill
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,294
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,294 |
I was wondering why the beach covered by the Perch camera was empty.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,217 Likes: 1
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,217 Likes: 1 |
As well as the cruisers I just thought about all the planes bringing people who are staying somewhere on the island. WestJet would have just landed at 4 p.m. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Sad.gif" alt="" />
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,992 Likes: 4
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,992 Likes: 4 |
One person who came in today has already posted on this thread. I feel so sorry for them!
Carol Hill
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,217 Likes: 1
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,217 Likes: 1 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,484 Likes: 4
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,484 Likes: 4 |
jeepers said: As well as the cruisers I just thought about all the planes bringing people who are staying somewhere on the island. WestJet would have just landed at 4 p.m. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Sad.gif" alt="" /> Not to mention the people that are leaving to come home and need to catch their flight.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8 |
This is our 12th trip to Orient Beach...makes us realize we have taken access to paradise for granted! We are at Sunset Beach Bar waiting....has anyone heard anything?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 331
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 331 |
Great time to run a water taxi.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8 |
Sounds like a great idea! Where can we pick one up? Oyster Pond?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,484 Likes: 4
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,484 Likes: 4 |
Great venture for soualigacapt to get going.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752 |
roads still blocked ..negotiations taking place
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 789
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 789 |
I don't understand why the Gendarmes aren't arresting these people and moving them on-they must be breaking some laws. It may have been OK in the middle of the day but when tourists start missing ships or planes and locals can't get home to their children etc-this is nuts.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,484 Likes: 4
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,484 Likes: 4 |
It just shows how determined they are for their cause. Bigger the pressure the better and quicker the negotiation results.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752 |
moxie said: I don't understand why the Gendarmes aren't arresting these people and moving them on-they must be breaking some laws. It may have been OK in the middle of the day but when tourists start missing ships or planes and locals can't get home to their children etc-this is nuts. this is not against the law. nor is it nuts. It's unfortunate..but it is very typical in France for people to take to the streets to stand up for their rights.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,217 Likes: 1
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,217 Likes: 1 |
I'm wondering what happens at airport with the number of planes that are coming in to leave & pick up people. If planes are waiting for their passengers where will they all fit? Will some land elsewhere & wait for room? Everyone's nightmare there today. Grand case never did get international designation for their airport I dont think. Too bad, some of jets could land there. Bad situation that's for sure.
|
|
|
|
|