CANADA--The government of Canada has issued a travel advisory for its citizens travelling to St. Maarten/St. Martin. The advisory calls on Canadian travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution” when on either side of the island. The country has not warned its citizens to not travel to the island.
According to the Canada government travel advisory, “There are identifiable safety and security concerns, or the safety and security situation could change with little notice. You should exercise a high degree of caution at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.”
The travel advisory was issued on May 30.
Tourism Minister Cornelius de Weever told The Daily Herald he has “taken note” of the travel advisory issued by Canada. “When it comes to safety and security they are advising on basic safety and security precautions you have to take no matter where you travel, one must be remain vigilant,” he noted.
The advisory was coupled with a travel health notice on the Zika virus that was issued on February 12.
The Public Health Agency of Canada has issued advice for travellers on the Zika virus, recommending that Canadians practice special health precautions while travelling in affected countries. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travelling to St. Maarten.
De Weever said St. Maarten has not reported any cases of Zika and/or chikungunya as far as he is aware.
“It is essential that we all do our share of prevention to avoid any of these two situations from occurring. Report any crime and keep your surroundings clean. This is not the time to criticize, but a time to be proactive and help St. Maarten continue its journey to full recovery,” De Weever said.
