Public prosecutor Xavier Sicot Gendarme Chief Hugues Loyez press conference Saint Martin
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Public prosecutor of Saint Martin, Xavier Sicot, and the chief of the local gendarmerie, Hugues Loyez, held a press conference January 15th 2025
The meeting was to address the alarming rise in violent crimes that have gripped the island in recent months.
Over the past two weeks, the territory has seen an unsettling surge in criminal activity, with three homicides directly linked to the use of firearms. These violent incidents have raised deep concerns among both local residents and authorities, particularly in light of the brazen nature of the crimes.
One of the most shocking events occurred on January 9 in Quartier d’Orléans, an area close to a local school. A double homicide took place, sending shockwaves through the community. Prosecutor Sicot expressed his understanding of the public’s shock, emphasizing that such acts of violence are not random but part of a larger, more disturbing trend. “These acts are typically motivated by either territorial control or acts of revenge,” Sicot remarked, shedding light on the underlying reasons for the rising violence. The double homicide is being treated as an organized gang-related crime, with the perpetrators facing potential life imprisonment.
The increase in violent incidents, particularly since September 2024, has been stark. Armed robberies have surged, with incidents doubling compared to the previous year. What is especially worrying, according to the prosecutor, is the increasingly brazen approach of the criminals. “Exhibition of weapons is no longer enough to intimidate,” Sicot stated, lamenting the fact that attackers now openly use firearms, even targeting tourists and vulnerable locals, especially under the cover of night. This escalation in violence has become a serious problem, making the streets of Saint Martin far more dangerous than they were just a few months ago.
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Another troubling aspect of the crime wave is the demographic of the offenders. The majority of those identified as being responsible for the violent crimes are young adults, typically between the ages of 18 and 25. However, there has also been a disturbing increase in the involvement of minors in criminal activities. The prosecutor pointed out that this represents a critical juncture, where the allure of quick, easy money has begun to outweigh the value of human life. “These young people are being lured into a dangerous lifestyle, one that threatens not only their own future but also the future of the community as a whole,” Sicot said, urging families to take responsibility for their loved ones and help prevent more tragedies from occurring.
In response to the escalating violence, the authorities have ramped up their efforts to regain control of the situation. The gendarmerie, supported by specialized criminal identification units and experts in criminal analysis, is intensifying its investigations into the gangs and individuals behind these violent crimes. “The military is doing an exceptional and often dangerous job,” Commander Hugues Loyez noted, highlighting the increasingly militarized stance the gendarmerie has adopted to secure the territory. In the coming weeks, the gendarmerie will be conducting more frequent and rigorous checks, specifically aimed at locating and confiscating illegal firearms, including handguns and war-grade weapons.
Loyez stressed that these efforts will be a visible presence on the streets, stating, “There will be gendarmes everywhere, all the time, ensuring that the territory is cleared of killers. The population will soon grow weary of this violence, which is regrettable, especially as it’s affecting young people.” In addition to increased patrols, the prosecution has also adjusted its approach to law enforcement, temporarily prioritizing the most serious cases while deferring less urgent matters. “We are confident that, for the majority of these cases, the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” said Prosecutor Sicot, expressing optimism about the ongoing investigations, which have already led to the arrest of two individuals involved in an armed attack in Grand-Case on January 5.
However, the authorities have made it clear that law enforcement alone will not be enough to stop the rising tide of violence. The need for collective action and the involvement of the entire community is crucial. Many residents, particularly those who may have witnessed criminal activity or have valuable information, hesitate to come forward due to fear of reprisals. To address this, the authorities are setting up systems that allow for anonymous testimonies, ensuring that people can provide critical information without fear of retaliation. “Sometimes, speaking out can prevent a tragedy,” the prosecutor urged, calling on families to be vigilant and report any suspicious behavior or the presence of illegal weapons in their neighborhoods.
The challenge, however, is not just the local gangs but the origin of the weapons fueling this wave of violence. Many of the firearms involved in these crimes are high-powered, often classified as category A weapons, which are typically linked to international smuggling networks or drug trafficking operations. The gendarmerie is stepping up targeted checks to intercept these weapons and trace their routes, but the task is complicated by the lack of adequate maritime resources. The proximity of neighboring territories, where illegal firearms are often smuggled in, makes the fight against this influx of weapons particularly difficult.
Despite these challenges, the authorities remain resolute in their mission to restore order and peace to Saint Martin. “This territory deserves better,” Prosecutor Sicot asserted, underscoring the importance of community solidarity and vigilance. The actions currently underway, from the intensified law enforcement efforts to the call for greater public involvement, are all part of a concerted effort to break the cycle of violence that has gripped the island. “We stand at a crossroads, and it is crucial that we choose the right path forward,” Sicot concluded, reiterating his firm commitment to making Saint Martin a safer, more peaceful place for all of its residents.
In the coming months, the authorities will continue to work tirelessly to dismantle the criminal networks and ensure that the streets of Saint Martin are free from the scourge of violence. However, it will take more than just law enforcement to solve this problem. It will take a united community, working together to create a safer, more secure environment for future generations. The authorities are confident that, with the collective effort of both citizens and law enforcement, the island can overcome this dark period and reclaim its reputation as a peaceful paradise.
