This is much different than recovering from a hurricane (which, frankly, with respect to Irma, has not been all that great), because this is a global disaster and the economic engine that will drive any recovery is completely outside the control of the island.
Well I agree with your latter statement - a small island like SXM can’t do much to resolve a world-wide financial problem of this magnitude.
But truthfully, given the enormity of the Irma damage across the island, I think the recovery has been monumental, at least on the Dutch side, and chances are, if the French homeland government would get out of their way, I think the French side would be right there with the Dutch.
But I’m just a visitor so what do I know? !
