FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF ST. MAARTEN 3 HOURS AGO: Prime Minister The Honorable William Marlin of Sint Maarten releases the following briefing on the infrastructure, along with words of thanks.
Please note that all was current at press time and is subject to change as work and talks progress.
ROADS
Main roads are cleared and work continues on inner roads to the districts.
ELECTRICITY / WATER
Several districts have received electricity and water thus far. Emphasis and priority is being placed
in this regard also for the schools to receive the same.
TELEPHONE / INTERNET SERVICE
Major telecommunication services including TELEM and UTS is functioning, however with some
sporadic service. It is recommended to download WhatsApp on your smart phone if at all possible
for quick communication, as SMS is taking much longer to go through.
TELEVISION
Cable television provider is not operational, however streaming via Internet is up and running.
RADIO
Two major radio stations are operational: PJD2 (102.7 FM) and Laser (101.1 FM). Indications from
the regulatory body, Bureau Telecommunication is that early next week other radio stations will
soon be broadcasting.
SUPERMARKETS
Several grocery stores are open within the curfew, and more are opening on an ongoing basis to
service the community. Please report price gauging to [email]NOCC@sintmaartengov.org.[/email]
GASOLINE
Gasoline stations were allowed to be open within the curfew, providing service to emergency
vehicles and the general population.
CURFEW
The curfew between Sint Maarten and Saint Martin has been synchronized. Authorities from both
governments have agreed that effective Sunday, September 17, 2017, non-emergency pass holders
are prohibited from being on the streets between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. local time until further
notice. Emergency pass holders are defined persons holding valid disaster team passes from Sint
Maarten or Saint Martin. Though checkpoints will be at all borders, this does not prohibit the free
movement between each side of the island, but it will enhance the protection of the citizens on the
island and of course, provide ease of transportation for residents and family and friends during this
difficult time to both sides of the island.
DROP-OFF POINTS FOR CHARITY CONTRIBUTIONS
Efforts are being made in each district of the island on a daily basis to provide food and supplies to
the population. As indicated by the Police Force of Sint Maarten, this is progressing well without
incident.
FOREIGN AID
In support of coordination, USAR.NL collects requests from local disaster management and donor
offerings in the Coordination Center of the Government of Sint Maarten. In this Coordination
Center, USAR.NL and local volunteers work together with government employees and
communication staff. In cooperation with the local government, priorities are set and the offer is
tailored to the demand. To provide or receive aid, persons or organizations can use the email
address: NOCC@sintmaartengov.org
AIRPORT
The Princess Juliana International Airport is receiving cargo flights and humanitarian flights.
Commercial flights are not being authorized at this time, however we realize that many individuals
do need to come to the island to assess property and see family. We will be updating on this soon.
PORT
The Port Facilities of Sint Maarten received some damage but cruise ships and cargo vessels
conducting humanitarian efforts are docking at the port and assisting in taking persons to other
destinations.
HOSPITAL/ MEDICAL
Sint Maarten Medical Center received damage during the storm but is operational. The Lab services
(SLS) are also up and running. General practitioners and pharmacies are open daily to the public on
a rotating schedule.