There was certainly ample warning to boaters...they just had to take it seriously. Trade Winds Cruise Club took it seriously. They ordered all their boat staff to take all the cats from Cole Bay, from Tortola and from Guadeloupe and sail south to Venezuela. The result...all boat staff and all boats are safe. Unfortunately we don't know how the shore support staff fared in SXM, BVI and Guadeloupe.
As for when those boats and staff will return is a very big question as many parts of these islands don't even have a basic infrastructure. If you've ever listened to a government official telling you about when things are going to be fixed or built you can count on only ONE thing...the cost will be triple and the time span will be double. I truly believe this will certainly apply to SXM...sadly.