SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) – The 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially opened on Wednesday, June 1^st. The season is for a period of six-months, until November 30^th.

Head of the country’s Emergency Operations Center/Emergency Support Functions (EOC/ESFs) Prime Minister Hon. Silveria Jacobs released her annual hurricane season address to the nation and it reads as follows:

My Fellow St. Maarteners,                             

Today, June 1st marks the start of the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Forecasters have predicted that it will be an above-average and active one. The Atlantic hurricane season is one we face yearly from June 1st until November 31st with the peak of the season being from August to October. Our country sits in a disaster-prone hurricane risk area, therefore we must ensure that we are all prepared. This is a call to action to put things into motion.

On Wednesday, May 25th, I chaired the first preparedness meeting of the Emergency Operations Center where all 10 Emergency Support Function coordinators rendered updates on their plans in place to safeguard our nation in the event of a storm. The season is already off to an early start with the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasting a likely range of 14 to 21 named storms. We are very much aware of what devastation a powerful hurricane can cause after our most recent experience with Irma nearly five years ago from which we are still recovering. As such, I am glad that over the past five years we are better prepared with the completion of 11 hurricane shelters.

However, hurricane preparation is not only a prerogative of Government but an individual, family and business responsibility. As St. Maarten continues through the ongoing endemic, we continue to encourage being as strict as possible with hygiene such as hand washing, optional mask usage and social distancing when possible in public spaces. Visit the hardware store and other entities such as insurance companies to ensure that you’ve made sufficient preparations before the peak months of the season.

During your preparations for the hurricane season, prepare a Disaster Kit that is able to support members of your household for a minimum of seven days after the hurricane has passed. Ensure to include hand sanitizer, bar or liquid soap; two cloth face coverings for each person; disinfecting wipes, or general household cleaning supplies to disinfect surfaces. Additional necessities to include are water, batteries, flashlight, radio, medicine, non-perishable foods and a baby supply kit for parents with infants or young children. For those whose homes are not yet storm or hurricane ready, you should make alternative housing arrangements to stay at family or friends.

Do not become complacent this hurricane season. Follow the preparedness messages and advice on how to prepare for a storm or hurricane and learn more about hurricane hazards by visiting www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane where you will be able to download your “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide’ and “Hurricane Tracking Chart.” Careful preparation and remaining vigilant throughout the season make a huge difference. Stay informed and follow official government information channels for instructions.

Remember, it only takes one to make it a bad hurricane season. I appeal to everyone including the business community, to make sure you are ready for the season. Start preparing from now, and remember that though we are a resilient nation, we must, individually and collectively strengthen our preparedness against any disaster or crisis.

‘Hope, Faith and Love…” from 1 Cor.13, is always quoted at weddings and other similar occasions, I would like to use it here to encourage all to have Hope, that we will be spared, Faith that we will be able to sustain whatever comes, and because of Love for self, family and community, we will do all we can to be prepared for this and all possible disasters.

May we have a safe 2022 Atlantic hurricane season.

Thank you, and May God Bless our St. Maarten Land.

SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) - On Wednesday, June 1, at 12:00 pm, a condolence-memorial book will be opened to the public in connection with the passing of avid historian, senior civil servant, and community leader Alfonso R. Blijden.

From Thursday onwards, the condolence-memorial book will be open daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm at the Government Administration Building on Pond Island until Monday, June 6. Civil servants can sign the condolence book at any time throughout the day.

Mr. Blijden began his career in government as an Archive Officer in 1987, under the leadership of the late Louis Duzanson, and continued to develop his career in government as a very knowledgeable and dedicated civil servant earning his bachelors degree in Public Administration in 2007.

As an expert in his field, he transitioned towards Senior Archive Officer and Application Manager for the Department of Records and Information Management (DIV) in 2013 and continued to serve even during his health challenges out of a deep and abiding passion for his vocation.

Mr. Blijden will be dearly missed by by his wife, daughters, family, dear colleagues throughout the organization and its various stakeholders, and his many friends. He will forever be remembered as hard-working, dedicated, and committed to learning and sharing the history of St. Martin.

SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) – The Prime Minister of Sint Maarten Hon. Silveria Jacobs, on behalf of the Council of Ministers (COM) of the Government and of Sint Maarten, expresses its deepest condolences to the family of Leonora Sneek-Gibbs as well as the people and Government of St. Eustatius, on the passing of the former Commissioner and State Secretary.

Sneek-Gibbs was the wife of independent Statia Island Council member Nicolaas ‘Koos’ Sneek.

“Affectionately known as ‘Nora,’ Sneek-Gibbs, was a shining bright star to the Windward Islands communities, and especially to the people of Statia that she served over the decades. Nora’s family, friends and close relatives on Sint Maarten, will dearly miss her,” Prime Minister Hon. Silveria Jacobs said on Tuesday.

Leonora was also very involved in the business community as operator of the Talk of the Town and the Blue Bead Restaurant.

Sneek-Gibbs served as State Secretary in the government of the former Netherlands Antilles, prior to its dissolution on October 10, 2010.

Besides her business and government interests and involvement, Sneek-Gibbs also served her community in a number of civic organizations such as St. Eustatius Lions Club, Quota International Club, and the St. Eustatius Promotion of International Culture and Education (SPICE) Foundation.

“Nora was an exemplary public servant and citizen who discharged her duties with diligence and integrity. To her husband Island Council member Koos Sneek, family, dear friends, and the people of Statia, our heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Sint Maarten during this difficult time. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” Prime Minister Hon. Silveria Jacobs said on Tuesday.

SINT MAARTEN (CAY HILL) - The Griffins and Student Government of Learning Unlimited (LU) Preparatory School were active again recently with their community in mind.

Every year, the two groups organize various fundraising events with the sole purpose of giving back to the community. In December, 2021, they had a Food and Toy Drive and donated the items throughout the community.

At the end of the school year, the students select an organization to assist with their collected funds. This year is no exception. Under the leadership of Siddhant Vaswani, the LUPS President of Student Government, the students chose the St Maarten Mental Health Foundation as the recipient of their fundraising efforts. They were able to raise US $1,200.00.

The students hope that, through their kind gesture, they could put the spotlight on the Mental Health Foundation and the important role it plays in their community.

Griffins are students who represent Learning Unlimited's values and demonstrate them on a daily basis. Griffins are role models who devote themselves to school life. This prestigious position requires attributes such as leadership and integrity.