Pat,

Speaking as a business owner on St Maarten, and one who has been involved with the island and its people for 44 years, the sensitivity, understanding and kindness of your words brought tears to my eyes. You are 100% correct in your assessment of the people's needs.

We have been violently attacked by Hurricane Irma, we are devastated and in shock and we need time to sort it all out and recover. Of course we love the tourists who visit our beautiful island, and we will certainly be dependent on the economic benefits they bring us in the future, but right now this is a time of mourning for many of us. We appreciate the love, concern and prayers that so many have offered, but we need time to, as you said, sort it all out.

Thank you all for your good wishes and may God bless the people of St Maarten.