FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saint-Martin, September 14, 2017—The president of the Collectivité of Saint-Martin, Mr. Daniel Gibbs, made the following statement on Thursday, September 14, 2017 concerning the situation on the island since the passage of hurricane IRMA, on September 6th, 2017.
Phase 1 of the post-hurricane effort consisted in the immediate care of the wounded, sick or distressed, our tourist guests included and to organize their evacuation from the island. It has also consisted in securing the territory with the massive arrival of French military and Police forces. Today this first phase is accomplished and the security of the island has been achieved.
The Collectivité of Saint-Martin is now working with its partners on Phase 2 of the post-hurricane efforts which consist of:
- Distribution of water, food and materials to the population
- Cleaning up debris, bulky items and waste left behind by the hurricane
- Rehabilitation of water, sanitation and electricity networks.
Most of our tourists are back in their homeland. A group of experts should arrive very soon on the island to assess the condition of hotels, residences and guest houses to be able to begin rebuilding Saint-Martin’s tourism infrastructures as soon as possible
The meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, September 12th, 2017, gave President Gibbs the opportunity to explain the urgent needs of the community, particularly in terms of reconstruction and assisting the population and businesses to restart a normal life. Measures to that effect will be defined within the partnership established between the French Government and the Collectivité (local autorities.)
Phase 3—the planning stage has already begun with an in-depth evaluation of the situation by the president and his teams with two major objectives:
- a seamless and long-term support of Saint-Martiners and a rapid and sustainable reconstruction and development of the territory in order for Saint-Martin to quickly regain its economic activity.
President Gibbs and his team will do everything in their power to restore the territory's attractiveness and warmly thanks all the tourism partners and operators around the world who are supporting us in this difficult time and are still willing to assist us in promoting the destination in order for Saint-Martin to become again one of’ the Caribbean’s most appreciated destinations.