Sure doesn't sound like anything I have read on here or various other sources of information about St. Maarten/St. Martin. You also have island residents, Bill and Elaine stating to the contrary. I also have local friends on the island that I am regularly in touch with. While things were bad right after Irma, nothing like you are mentioned has been told to me by them.

Sadly, this is what happens when things get passed along, "chatter", rumors and such and it usually ends up being pretty far from what is actually going on.

If I were on the island now, I would use the same diligence I would on any other visit and probably be a little more mindful knowing the after effects of the hurricane. Less or no street lighting, debris around, etc.