The "Fish Day Turned Violent!" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Fish Day in French Cul-de-Sac Bay on the island of St. Martin.  A day to honor  the local fishermen of the island by presenting them with tokens of appreciation for their work as well as for all local residents as well as tourists to celebrate in the bountiful harvest of fish on the island.   Fish Day 2013 was the biggest ever with approximately 20,000 people attending.  President Aline Hanson thanked the fishermen for their contribution to the community and urged young people to take up local fishing traditions to prevent the trade from dying out.  President Hanson, along with Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams, rode a boat from the Pinel Ferry dock into the bay and cast a wreath into the waters in memory of fishermen who have died in the past.  The day was a great day for celebration.  Sweltering hot with little breeze for relief from the oppressive humidity.  Cars were lined up for what seemed like miles to get to the event held in the parking lot of the Ferry dock.  Food vendors were everywhere with just about every kind of fish imaginable being served pan fried, deep fried, bar-b-qued, boiled, or however you may want it.  Other vendors sold food products as well as some with souvenirs for the tourists while music was offered most of the day.  Then ...... at 7:45 PM, shots rang out.  Everyone scrambled for cover as two rival gangs from St. Martin/Sint Maarten started firing at each other.  A vendor selling natural juices was hit.  Another victim was a youth while a Caucasian woman was shot in the throat.  When the shooting was done five people had been injured, two fatally. The first shot was allegedly caught on camera by a local TV station.  Swarms of Gendarmes (French Police) were called to the village who ordered everyone out of the crime scene.  Naturally a traffic jam resulted on the narrow road that enters and exits French Cul-de-Sac.  Ambulances arrived for the victims as the Gendarmes began their investigation.  What a sad way to have to end the joyous day for the people of the island who had gathered to honor their fishermen.  Carol and I have been on the island just about three weeks now and this was the third act of  gun violence involving local gangs and more than likely drugs.  Will we return again?  We reason that in our own town of Lancaster, PA gun violence occurs on almost a daily basis.  Most of that is because of gangs fighting for drug turf as well as settling grudges between the gangs.  Used to do that with other none lethal weapons and even their fists.  That was before everyone could own a gun.  It is everywhere and just because we may be enjoying paradise, we are not immune to gun violence while on vacation.  We will return and hope that in another year it hasn't increased beyond what it now is.  The people of the island deserve better and hopefully law enforcement will be able to support them.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  PS - Carol and I were not at the Fish Day celebration because of the disease called sand gravity so the photos I have to share with you are from another visitor, Gary Taylor.  Thanks Gary for sharing your photos.

Food Vendor stand

Cul-de-Sac Ferry Dock to Pinel 

Parking along the bay.  Hope high tide doesn't arrive too early.

More Vendors 

Food Vendor