Press update of conditions Wed. Sept. 20th, 2017

http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin...alth-risks.html

Those in a hurry to get back to the island, depending on their individual situation or circumstances, may want to consider that their return may strain the already limited resources (food, water, etc.) more than their presence will help anything. Just something to consider.

Amazing. It appears that the supply line for basic goods has been devastated by looting as much as the storm itself!

Rasputin,

A well respected island resident shared a post on Facebook suggesting that while they know we want to help, at this juncture and for the immediate near future, tourists will be more of a hindrance, regardless of our good intentions.

My thoughts, make donations earmarking them for SXM relief if you're able but let the people get back on their feet and figure out where they're able to do regarding their homes and livelihoods.

I honestly doubt John Q Public will be allowed to return for a while but I'm thinking my earliest return will be around November 2018 if the island sounds like they're ready for guests but that's still to be decided down the road. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

An island local/resident/friend told me there was nothing left to loot/steal within a few days of the hurricane.

With due respect.
I feel that we have a situation that needs to be reviewed daily. I understand the current crisis with food and water shortage and appropriate actions we can take as mentioned. But I also feel that suggesting time frames (years?) to anyone's return is premature and potentially harmful to those rebuilding SXM. Resorts and restaurants that are able to reopen will rely on as many guests as possible. As with any business, reduction of customers will result in fewer employees needed to support them or worse, having to permanently close.

The latest post by Simpson Bay Resort on their website says that they will be closed for AT Least 6 months. It implies that the island will be closed to visitors for 6 months as well.

Wow. The comment section following the article is very interesting. Quite an assessment of the political and social climate of the island.
And one of the women was held up at her hotel.

I cannot agree with your interpretation since other resorts have stated they will be open for business in November and December of 2017. I think the amount of damage incurred and estimated time required to restore will more likely be the determining factors. I expect this will vary greatly based upon the photos and videos we have seen.

Well stated Rasputin! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> Another big factor facing SXM is disease. Cholera, dysentery, etc. Medical supplies will be needed. Mosquitos, rats, garbage will cover the island and those poor residents will have no protection!

I'm looking at the PR on their website dated 9/21 and don't see 6 months mentioned. Could you provide a link. Thanks.

http://www.simpsonbayresort.com/hurricane-updates.html

The link was on their FB page.

Exactly. Even though it's possible that our unit at La Vista Beach will be available for our late November trip, we have canceled for the very reason you state. The island needs to concentrate on rebuilding now, and not on catering to needs of tourists.

Everyone has to do what is right for them. However, to me it depends on when you're talking about. Right NOW, there is still a curfew in place and Juliana isn't even open, so there is really nothing to talk about, about going. However, once the curfew is lifted, at some point, people have to make MONEY in order to survive. The vast majority of people on the island, if they're not working, they can't afford to live and if there are no tourists, there is no income.

Thank you Carol and also Tom for stating what I think is the obvious. This is not a chicken/egg either/or situation. Sure, it's hard to start over from scratch. Everyone will have to work harder and smarter and the gov't needs to take a pro-active role, but at some reasonable point there's no reason both activities, rebuilding the island and catering to tourists, can't exist simultaneously. While people in the construction trades will have plenty of work, people such as gardeners, housekeepers, shelf stockers, office workers, cooks, bartenders, and waiters also need jobs in order to survive. Every dollar spent circulates through an economy five times - that's how wealth is created and jobs are created. So whether you send in donations or visit the island sooner rather than later and spend your money at whatever businesses are open, that will allow for the island to rebuild even faster. Just my opinion, but I think the people on the island need our support more than our sympathy.

We've donated financially, and will definitely return; just not this November.

I have been hacked by unfortunately using my debit card to pay my maintenance fees in April when I was on island- paid in full! Unfortunately I have been taken. Been to my bank twice today to dispute charges! Beware! Since this devastation maybe it wasn't my timeshare but someone got a hold of my card! Yes I hot carded it!

Most readers and posters here are long time visitors. The last thing on most vacationers minds (other than us here and a select few) this season or even most likely next season is "Hey, let's go to a place that was just devastated..."
I think most of us here also know just exactly what island time is and when things are publicly announced they always seem to be a little premature. It's just Island nature to be a bit over optimistic on real timelines or deadlines.

If you stop and think of the amount of contractors and professionals that will have to be there to build in the amount of time most businesses predict is a logistical nightmare. Especially when most are working on their own homes themselves. The shipping in of building supplies, the lack of sand needed for concrete, to wood or steel supply to the amount of machinery needed.
Add the recent announcement placed by VROMI to locals that no business, home or otherwise can be rebuilt until it is assessed by the Govt. for safety to rebuild, and all will have to apply for permits and go through proper building approvals before swinging a hammer. There are not enough locals to handle the adjustment in regards to insurance, and when will they pay?
Not enough skilled staff in VROMI to expedite any permit. How fast will you be approved to rebuild?
If these things are taken into consideration, then the knowledge we all have here is that It's really going to be longer than anyone wants or anticipates.

I think we all know back home the time involved for applying and finally receiving permits to work on our homes. And then the wait time for inspections. Been there, done that with Sandy. Took almost 2 years.Local government. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif" alt="" />

I fear you have rose colored glasses on, and aren't looking at reality, yet how you wish it would be.

https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/69...yment-post-irma

There was a simmering element prior to this hurricane. It has risen to the top.

Rose colored glasses? Maybe glass half full or half empty?
My point is that it is (in my opinion) unwise for anyone to suggest people cancel or postpone their vacations in SXM for years when economic recovery is so dependent upon tourist dollars. We have seen the greatest devastation on the news because that's what makes the news. But what about the resorts or restaurants that had only minor damage and are open for business months ahead of others?
We will all make decisions on when to return if ever, but I prefer to let accurate updates rule over dark long term predictions.

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Here are some of the things that are being done to improve the Phillipsburg area which will trickle done to the rest of the island.
https://www.sxmstrong.com/2017/09/30/wat...sland-rebuilds/

you obviously understand economics...i really don't get the people, who mostly have no financial stake in the island, that keep telling people to stay away, and even come up with baseless timeframes for returning, like 6+ months, 1 year, 2 years, etc....if they choose to stay away, all the power to them, but those that choose to return, should be encouraged to do so, providing much needed revenue to the local economy and the businesses that continue to open

to those that encourage tourists to stay away, what about the businesses (restaurants, hotels, casinos, rental car agencies, etc.) that are able to open earlier than others? should they be penalized, and forced to stay closed until all other businesses open? (or at least until the message board royalty say it's ok?)

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Again, what are you people talking about? You cannot fly into PJIA. And if you think you are first on the list to come into island then good luck to you.
And to IslandBoi, I did live on island and have many good friends there with whom I am in contact with multiple times a day.
I am not saying don't go. Just saying chill out!!!!!!!!!!!
irina

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

I agree <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />
I couldn't go a year with no income & neither can the businesses there IMHO

When the Airport is opened up to commercial aviation I believe that decision is personal. If you like to park your [censored] in a beach chair and stare at the beautiful water, go do it. We all know the situation on Island is not great. If you can live with that, go do it.

My only request, and I know I have no right to make one, is if you are not there to help rebuild, stay out of their way. Don't be a gawker. I am sure if we were in their situation none of us would want a bunch of tourists just stand and watching and getting in the way.

JMHO <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />