TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Airport names first CFO

Daily Herald story It is still inconceivable to me that the airport has done ZERO to start reconstruction. His first job should be to get a loan, if necessary, to start the repairs. It is ridiculous that it is three months later and they have done nothing. Who knows how much more damage has been done? These people never heard of a short term loan?

While the island in general is making decent progress What's really incredible is what you still have to go through to arrive or depart SXM. I have been on and off the island twice since Irma its hard to believe they can not figure out something better than a crowed small tent that you have to claim you bags then drag them over to a little hole in the wall where they push them into another small room for you to claim after you stand in line for one or two immigration ladies to stamp you in. Then out to the street through another small door where there is no where for people to pick you up cause they won't let anyone stop there so you have to drag you bags another block down to the Taxi lot. Totally crazy set up! They found a $100 million or more to build that airport so something is really wrong with the management if they can't find something better than a tent. I know they are trying and I hear something is in the works for a better arrival experience , lets just hope it comes soon.

I haven't been there yet, so can't really comment on that, but it seems they are doing nothing to get the airport fixed, just waiting on the insurance!!! Who knows how long that will be??

Perhaps in another thread, could you post your impressions of your visits since Irma?

Rumor has it that there are now six Immigration stations at SXM, but I can’t confirm that.

You would think that repairs of airport would be a top priority. I can not believe that have no money to start repairs... this will be a horror once high season is in gear, and of course people start coming back... Gee, they managed to get the money to build the airport, there are more than one way to get funds... Not a fun situation being in tents in the heat... If the Island is to come back!!! This needs to be top of the list....

Top of the list needs to be shelter, food and water for the homeless. I came thru the tents a few weeks back. It works just fine. How many years did people go through the old non air conditioned airport?

As for high season, there will not be much of one this year.

Agreed. Going to be a very sparse high season.

The first priority for government needs to be to vote to accept the Integrity Chamber, to start the money flowing, for sure. But the airport authority needs to get off it's duff now and get started with renovations, and not wait for the insurance, however they have to do it. The current airport situation will not work at all if and when there start to be actual crowds coming back, and this renovation is going to take a long time.

I too remember the old airport, and remember the times i thought I would pass out. Thats the past. They built a new airport, and many were very happy for the air condition alone. We have no way of knowing who will come back and why.. There are many that have to, and many that just want to... In any case!!! there is lots of work, and people that need to recover from loss of homes and businesses... Major hurricane, major work... I still believe the airport is on the top of the list along with all other things... There are people on the east coast that will want to get away from the cold, and smart enough to know the beaches are still available... Too each his own.

Agreed.... When they start!!! will take time. hopefully they realize to get shutters for the glass. Glass does not work in hurricanes... they need to rethink that issue..

Ah yes, getting away from the cold. More important.

You want to get away from the East coast cold yet you complain about the possibility of being in a tent in the heat for a short amount of time??

Many people would just be thankful for the opportunity to return and help the local economy. I know I would.

surprise sarcastic response. ok, you all know better. Just been going since 1985, and no more or less important opinions than you all. We love the Island, and of cource feel for the people that had to live with this... Your voice probably is no better than mine... The airport is important. Read between the lines... Try not to be so defensive, this is not a competition...