From a friend on island posted on her public Facebook page.
"January 10, Flamingo Update
We met with Mervin and two of his regional colleagues from Diamond this morning. It was a great meeting with lots of good news and information.
1. Currently concrete work is happening inside the rooms. The floors are being filled in as needed for interior finish work to come.
2. Due to the equipment needed to do the concrete work, the installation of windows and doors will follow and that will secure the interiors for the actual finish work to begin.
3. The window and door supplies for Royal Palm have been (or are being) moved to that location.
4. The hired skilled workers are coming in, as noted in the last update, all are being processed through Sint Maarten requirements.
5. As Mervin has stressed throughout the post Irma repair and renovation discussions, the Diamond managers stressed they are doing this right. As they proceed, they find even more reasons to address issues—in some cases, new products and methods and techFlamingmproved so they can move the resorts forward as they repair and rebuild. They acknowledged that it’s hard on owners, but it is simply the smart and right thing to do and we will all benefit by the changes.
6. The comments a number of you shared regarding the graphic room displays were shared. All three managers said that the graphic design package doesn’t have the capacity to show details, the renderings basically identified furnishings and somewhat placements, but actual decorating will come later. They also said that the comments will be shared with the Diamond facilities staff responsible for final decorating decisions, so your comments will be noted!
7. Plans for food service are good! It’s early in the planning, but the former Shipwreck Shop space is designated for a casual food venue. With Simpson Bay Resort opening a food venue in the former Bon Appetit, plus the six other venues on Simpson Bay Resort property and the MANY other dining options on SXM, Flamingo will focus on simple, casual fare, maybe some beach service, take-out and some tables. They are planning to use the first and second floor space that the Shipwreck shopped used.
8. From an earlier conversation, I believe they plan for the pool bar to continue to operate as well. More on that as plans solidify.
9. I did ask the question about the Royal Palm owners’ closets, and Mervin said he will get the details and send the answer.
10. I also asked Diamond/Flamingo to consider extending the sidewalk on Billy Folly Road to reach to the beach entry driveway. That curve between the Flamingo service entrance and the driveway is treacherous with no off-road walkway and some added parking near the former Bon Appetit has reduced the safe walk space further.
11. Some good information to share:
a. Diamond was recognized by the Sint Maarten labor department and the local employee’s union for the outstanding way they managed their employees after Irma. They were paid full wages through March 29 whether they worked or not.
b. The hope and plan are that many of the former employees will return to Flamingo and Royal Palm as openings arise and in time for training. Note: The Diamond managers and Mervin agreed and shared that we are “family” and one of the reasons we like our SXM homes so much is that we trust the family who works here.
c. Diamond also recognized Mervin, through an internal award, for remaining onsite throughout Hurricane Irma. Our hero!
12. The Diamond managers stated that of all the resorts in their “districts” SXM is unique in the loyalty and passion of the owners and guests. They are proud that our two resorts have been so good that they earned our loyalty and want to keep that special relationship we have with staff, Flamingo, Royal Palm, Diamond and one another. (Of course, we consider it our home, but it was special to hear them embrace (and feel pride) at being a part of that!)
13. Our Diamond regional representatives want us to know that we can use the Diamond Exchange program for 1 year or more, and that it is NOT a permanent change. However, they know people are missing vacations, and they offer that as an option. They also said no one is obligated to attend an “owners’ update” here or at another Diamond property. It is OK to say no and, simply not go. (However, if you really want the premium offered it’s your decision how to spend your vacation time!) One of our regional managers told us that even she is hassled when she goes to a resort to attend the “update” and she never goes! I liked her!!
14. Related to the possible Diamond exchange, they have recently taken over some more resorts, one in Hawaii, two in North Carolina—one on the coast (Outer Banks) and one in the mountains, plus others, so you could check out their website for a possible exchange if you are traveling.
15. The midyear 2020 for reopening is still on target.
16. Updates from Diamond (website) will be more frequent as the pace of changing picks up—roofing and demolition is boring and finally completed, but as they start to get inside, they say we will get more updates and information.
17. There is a pseudo volley ball court on Flamingo Beach! They are using seaweed to outline the court! It’s great to see activity at the beach. It’s public, so anyone can come over and enjoy the sand and surf. It’s clean and clear, and a nice quiet beach to enjoy. (Guests at Simpson Bay Resort are the likely Volley Ball court creators!)
18. Questions outstanding:
a. Banking weeks and how those can be used.
b. Maintenance fees for 2019
c. Details on the Royal Palm storage closet contents.

It was a good meeting with a free exchange of information. The Diamond managers are nice people who love their jobs supporting something as positive as travel and vacation. Hurricanes are a big challenge. They are rare enough that long-term planning is difficult, the level of the storm is unpredictable, the path, the individual involvement, developing experience, and the frequency make Flamingo and Royal Palm vulnerable because of that very unpredictability. They are positive about how the work is progressing and looking forward to the completion and reopening of our SXM homes too! "

How exciting!

I think so too.