SXMElections.com

~One shot dead, Chinese Supermarket robbed on Saturday. ~

PHILIPSBURG: --- Police have their hands full on the Dutch side of the island where business seems to be business as usual despite the lockdown and quarantine called by the EOC and Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs.
Even though residents are asked to stay at home due to the spread of COVID-19 there is an increase of armed robberies, vehicular break-ins and a broad daylight robbery that led to the death of a man on Sunday.
While Police is yet to release any information on the broad daylight murder and the armed robbery which took place on Saturday on Pondfill Road at a Chinese Supermarket it is clear that much more has to be done to ensure safety and security of the people during the worldwide pandemic COVID-19.
KPSM along with the Minister of Justice needs to sit around the table and formulate a plan as to how they will further secure the businesses that can operate during the quarantine period. Somehow more police must be in certain areas to protect these businesses as they open to provide the necessary supplies that are needed for survival.
Clearly, due to this pandemic and shutdown, many people on St. Maarten will eventually lose their jobs and income which already have vagabonds committing heinous crimes. How long more will it take before drastic actions are taken to provide proper safety and security to the people of this once Friendly Island?
If the Dutch side wants to have a grip on the criminal activities currently taking place they will have to implement some stringent measures like the French side, whereby everyone leaving their homes must have a valid reason to do so or if not they will face fines or imprisonment. More police presence is needed everywhere on the island.
After the senseless killing Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs informed the nation that she requested the Dutch Military assistance via the Governor of St. Maarten. Jacobs said that the request was made to prepare for the possible outbreak of the COVID-19.
The Prime Minister also indicated that businesses that are allowed to conduct business this shutdown must close their doors by 6 pm.
Below is the address was given on Sunday afternoon by Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs.