GREAT BAY,– St. Maarten's commissioner of tourism, economic affairs, aviation and sports joins the local Haitian community in St. Maarten and others elsewhere, in expressing solidarity with families and friends of victims claimed on Tuesday, as result of a deadly earthquake in Haiti.
As a sign of sympathy with the victims of the earthquake, Richardson says that the thoughts and prayers of the people of St. Maarten should remain with the relatives of the victims and with members of the local Haitian community, which has been part of the wider community here for decades.
Richardson says that he wishes to convey a message of strength and comfort, to all those affected, at this time of sadness.
"With this catastrophe hitting Haiti, we must be reminded of the substantial damage and casualties, such an event brings with it", says Richardson.
The tragic and untimely developments transpiring in Haiti is a time for St. Maarten to show that it cares about its Caribbean neighbors and that as heart breaking as the ordeal is, it is encouraging to note pledges for international relief assistance coming in.
He called on local relief organizations, charity organizations and the public, to provide assistance, to Haiti, wherever possible, in coming days.
"This is the least we can do, as a community, in order to help all concerned through this difficult time," says Richardson.