Sint Maarten : Road closures and traffic diversions

In connection with the upcoming Sint Maarten’s Day Celebration on November 11th, the Police Department is informing the general public with the following road closures and traffic diversions.

The Cultural Parade will start at 02.00 p.m. on the Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard in the vicinity of Sangs Supermarket. All traffic going into and coming out of Point Blanche will be temporarily be disrupted until the parade has left the area.

The parade will go via the Welvaart brug onto Emma plein in front of the Jump Up Casino and down the Cannegieter Street. The parade will continue down the Cannegieter Street and make a right turn onto the Peterson Street.

While the parade is moving on the Cannegieter Street, all side streets and alleys, connecting to the Cannegieter Street will be closed to all traffic. Drivers coming into Philipsburg will not be able to use the Cannegieter Street to get into the center of Philipsburg while the parade is on this street.

Once the parade makes a right turn onto the Walter Nisbeth road in the direction of the Salt Picker Round a bout, traffic will be closed off at the former Boekhandel Eddine. No traffic will be allowed in either direction. All connecting street and alleys leading to the Walter NIsbeth road will be closed off. Once the parade is no longer on the Cannegieter Street, this street will again be opened to all traffic.

Drivers wanting to leave the Philipsburg area will also be allowed to use the so called “express lane” which starts behind of Kitty’s Kitchen and ends at the L.B. Scot Sports Auditorium. This lane will only be used to exit the Philipsburg area. Traffic will not be allowed to come into Philipsburg via this lane.

When approaching the Soualiga Boulevard the Salt Pickers round a bout will closed to all traffic. No traffic will be allowed in the Soualiga Boulevard until the parade has entered the festival Village. All streets will then be reopened for the normal flow of traffic.

Drivers are urged to pay keen attention to the information to avoid any unnecessary delays on inconvenience. Drivers are also asked to follow the temporary traffic diversions and to follow the instructions given by the traffic officers.

The Police Department also wants to take this opportunity to remind the general publics secure your home when coming to take part in the Sint Maarten’s Day Celebration and to take the necessary measures to prevent becoming a victim of crime. Keep the “Safety Tips in mind”.

SAFETY TIPS

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.

Have a very safe and joyful Sint Maarten’s Day.