On Friday December 10th at 09.00 a.m. Commissior Carl John and Inspector Ricardo Henson from the Police Department held talks with Alejandro Jose Slack, Ernest Illis and A. Vinicio Montero representing the Bus drivers Ass. and Ottis Hughes, William Charles and Rigobert Gumbs representing the Dutch Side Taxi Ass. These talks were held in regard to the very busy upcoming Holiday Season, during which period many activities will be taking place all over the island, tourists visiting the island and shoppers doing their end of the year shopping.
Suggestions were brought forward by both police and bus and taxi Association
on how to facilitate public transportation with easy access in to and out of Philipsburg area during this busy season. Ideas were exchanged and agreements were reached how to best deal with the situation.
On December 17th, 24th and 31st 2010 there will be a street fair going on in Philipsburg. On these dates a large section of Front street and Back street will be closed of for traffic with vehicles and open only to pedestrian traffic.
Starting Friday December 10th at 03.00 p.m. the section of the Cannegieter street between the Windward Island Bank and Afoo Supermarket will be closed to all other traffic with vehicles than buses.
The closing of this section of road will also be closed on Friday December 17th, December 24th and December 31st. On these dates that section of the street will be closed from 09.00 a.m. Anyone using a bus for transportation can catch one in this section of the street.
On these same days which are Friday December 17th, 24th and 31st the Gevangenis steeg ( street next former fire station in Philipsburg) the Wilhelmina steeg ( street next to the former Parliament building) and the Hendrik steeg ( Kangoroo Court alley) will be closed for all other traffic with vehicles than taxis.
These measures are been taken to give shoppers more freedom of movement and to create a safer environment for walking through the streets and doing their shopping during the day and in the evening hours.
The police department, because of the extremely busy traffic and limited parking space in Philipsburg recommends that as an alternative shoppers should use public transportation. Persons who decide to use their private vehicle should use the recently filled in Ring road for parking. This parking will be at your own risk.
If any other or additional changes are made, the general public will be immediately be informed.
The police department is requesting the fullest cooperation from the general public in making this Holiday Season a success.
In addition the police department is offering these safety tips.:
SAFETY TIPS 2010
The Police Force of Sint Maarten is without any doubt doing its utmost, to protect you, your family and your property, in combating crime and criminals. The Public Relation Office of the Sint Maarten Police Force is therefore offering the entire community, the following safety tips, to help them prepare against crime.
Remember the 3 A’s of Crime Prevention
1. Be Aware of your surroundings at all times.
2. Be Alert to suspicious people and vehicles.
3. Avoid dangerous situations.
If you are out for the evening:
– Turn on lights, radio or television so that it looks like some-one is at home.
– Lock all doors and windows well, even if you are just leaving for a
few minutes.
– Don’t display items where they can be seen from the outside.
– Park your car in a well-lit area and make sure all windows
and doors are
locked.
– Avoid carrying a large amount of cash. Don’t flash cash
around and carry it in a safe place on you.
– If you have to use the ATM-machine, pay close
attention to suspicious persons hanging around the machine. If that’s the case pass up that machine and find another.
– Carry all wallets in the front pockets and carry
purses close to your body.
– Keep your children close to you while attending any activities and
don’t let them get separated from you.
– Pay attention to persons walking in front and behind you.
(Especially in crowded places favorable for pickpockets)
– When returning to your vehicle or your home, have your keys in your
hands ready to open the door.
– Before entering your vehicle, check front and rear and seats for any
one that may be hiding there. Lock doors immediately after entering.
– Ask your neighbor to keep a watchful eye out for you.
– Drinking and driving is a danger to everyone. Remember that
the risks of
drinking and driving are not worth it. If you choose to drink, don’t drive.
Make use of a designated driver or public transportation.
(Taxi or bus)
Make sure that you know where your kids are at all times and that they
are safe.
Most of all on behalf of the Police force of Sint Maarten, through the Public Relation Office, "We wish the entire community of Sint Maarten and it’s visitors a very safe and meaningful Holiday Season."