This afternoon my wife and I left Orient to pick up a few things in the French Quarter. We are waiting for friends to arrive later today. We had heard that there was a strike in Sandy Ground because of vaccine mandates. We pulled onto the N7 to the road from Orient. As soon as we got to the top of the hill we saw a roadblock. Thinking it was the Gendarmes stopping traffic because of the strike we started to turn around but then saw cars being let through. We drove toward the roadblock and discovered too late that the roadblock was being manned by masked kids demanding money.
I had $2 on the console and they took that. We drove around the burnt out debris and followed another car past St. Joseph’s only to run into another road block by the gas station.
I turned the car around and headed back toward Orient only to be stopped again by 3 masked locals demanding more money. I offered them $2 that I had in my pocket and they refused. Demanding more money and refusing to let me pass I had to give them $20.
We’re still waiting for our friends to arrive and going to have to think long and hard about returning here.

Oh, no! I'm so sorry that happened to you. It pains me to say that I agree with you--time to think about returning.

I understand that you can still go across the causeway and through Marigot. I think the issue is still vaccine mandates. We've loved going to the island since the '80s, and have a Jan. trip planned (staying in Orient), but will have to think long & hard before another trip. Sadly, the Gendarmes either can't or don't want to do anything. Robbing visitors is not peaceful protesting.

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"But then I think about the good times, down in the Caribbean sunshine..." (J.B.)

Wow not happy to hear that we land on Saturday November 6th for 2 weeks

Not happy about what’s happening here. Neither are the people who are trying to vacation and live and make a living on this beautiful island. We’re not going to venture far from Orient Village for the next week.
N7 through the French Quarter still blocked today. Friends came through Marigot yesterday and were sent around to the waterfront road towards Grand Case.

The road through the French Quarter was clear today. Orient from the Village to Club O Beach was packed.
They were all hurting yesterday. Except for Club O Beach and Perch Lite most of the chairs and beach restaurants were empty.

What Irma didn't destroy, is being destroyed by the criminals.

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Paragraphs Are A Reader's Best Friend.

I feel for all of our island friends.