French Saint-Martin President issues statement on passage of hurricane IRMA

The president of the Collectivité of Saint-Martin, Mr. Daniel Gibbs, wishes to make a statement about the situation on the island since the passage of hurricane IRMA, on September 6th, 2017.

Phase 1 of the post-hurricane organization consisted in managing on the one hand, the urgency in terms of taking care of the wounded, sick or distressed, but also the tourists by organizing the evacuation from the island. On the other hand, the security of the territory by the massive arrival of French military and Police forces. Today this first phase is accomplished and the security of the territory is under control.

The Collectivité of Saint-Martin is now working with its partners on Phase 2 on the post-hurricane organization which consists of:

– Cleaning up debris, bulky items and waste transported by the hurricane
– Distribution of water, food and materials to the population
– 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 realize an evaluation of the hotels, residences and guest houses to help in the rebuilt of the touristic infrastructures.

The meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, September 12th, 2017, gave an opportunity to President Gibbs to explain the urgent needs of the community, particularly in terms of reconstruction of the territory, helping the population and businesses to restart a normal life, through accompanying measures that will be defined within the partnership established between the State and the Collectivité.

This phase of work (Phase 3) has already been the subject of in-depth work by the president and his teams with two major objectives:

– an effortless support of the Saint-Martiners and a rapid and sustainable reconstruction and development of the territory in order for Saint-Martin to regain a rapid 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 most appreciated destination in the Caribbean region.