Statia Sends Xploration Asset to Jamaica for Hurricane Relief
- Published in Soualiga Newsday Focus
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(photo contributed)
SINT EUSTATIUS (ORANJESTAD) - The Statia Government continues to demonstrate forward-looking leadership by championing the Xploration Coastline Concept (XCC), a regional initiative that strengthens resilience, innovation and sustainable development across the Caribbean.
In October 2025, the first of several XCC assets arrived on Statia, marking the beginning of the XCC Xplore Statia phase. This milestone reflects the Government’s commitment to harnessing innovation for the benefit of its people and the wider region.
While on standby for regional crisis-relief operations, the XCC asset also supports the revamped ‘Made in Statia’ initiative, an agricultural development programme aimed at revitalising local food production, reducing import dependence and improving food security. The initiative provides a scalable framework that promotes health, wellbeing and sustainable economic growth.
Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, the Government, through its partnership in the Xploration Coastline Concept, worked with OceansX and regional agencies, including the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA), and the Caribbean Water and Sewerage Association (CAWASA) to mobilise an XCC asset in support of Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and National Water Centres.
The Royal Netherlands Navy vessel HNLMS Pelikaan collected the XCC asset from Statia Harbour in an operation efficiently coordinated by the Statia Port Authority, and is now transporting it to Jamaica. Following a period of usage, the asset will return to Statia.
As part of the socially governed Xploration Coastline Concept, all potential funding and reimbursements associated with this mission will flow into the overarching XCC Fund. This mechanism ensures that resources are reinvested to maintain the future readiness of the asset, supporting both a flourishing Statia and a resilient Caribbean region.
The Statia Government extends appreciation to its partners, including OceansX, Hatenboer Water B.V., Neptune Marine, the Farmer Foundation, and the Royal Netherlands Navy, for their continued collaboration in advancing the Xploration Coastline Concept and contributing to regional resilience.