PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- On Monday, October 23rd, 2023, at 7:00 PM; Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs, chairlady of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC); did her third and final update with respect to matters related to post-Hurricane Tammy effects on Sint Maarten for Monday, October 23rd.
Military assistance to the disaster management organization ended as of 6:00 PM this evening. The EOC will be deactivated after this national address.
Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs: I hereby inform you on the final updates provided by the relevant Emergency Support Functions (ESFs).
ESF-9 government administration - Regarding schools, the SEMC of the Ministry of Education has advised that schools are ready to receive the students, and it is decided that it’s back to school on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at the usual time.
ESF-3 the Ministry of VROMI on Monday afternoon was busy carrying out flood mitigation measures on part of the Mullet Bay Road that is prone to flooding. Excavation works were carried out to lower the water level on the road to relieve extreme flooding.
Large vehicles are able to make use of the road, but it is still not recommended for small vehicles to transit through the area. It is recommended to take the alternative route via the French Lowlands in order to access the Cupecoy area until the water has subsided sufficiently.
The Beacon Hill Road remains flooded. The Ministry of VROMI will commence pumping operations on Tuesday morning at 10:00 AM. Water pump trucks will be used, and the excess water will be pumped into the ocean. Residents and visitors are requested to take note of this.
The Ministry of VROMI will continue to clear and clean rocks, mud and debris from the public road system during the remainder of the week. Any requests for assistance or notifications in this regard can be sent to the following email address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Meteorological Department of Sint Maarten (MDS) in its Monday, October 2023 6:00P M forecast, reports that trailing moisture due to the slow-moving rain bands of Hurricane Tammy will maintain cloudy skies, occasional wind gusts, showers, and thunderstorms across the local region. Some of these showers may be heavy during the overnight hours as so the Flood Watch will remain in effect until Tuesday morning October 24 at 6:00 AM.
Residents and users of areas prone to flooding should continue exercising caution and use alternative routes to avoid any unnecessary risk to life and property.
Gradual improvement from these adverse conditions is expected by tomorrow Tuesday.
Moderate seas are expected through the next couple of days with waves peaking at seven feet. Small craft operators and swimmers are advised to maintain caution.
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the people, the business community, and visitors of Sint Maarten for your cooperation, vigilance, and timely compliance with the requests of the Government of Sint Maarten to protect life and property in relation to the passing of Hurricane Tammy.
I would also like to extend heart felt gratitude to the members of the EOC, ESF coordinators and their disaster emergency teams for their hard work, commitment, and dedication in preparation for, during and after the passing of Tammy. This is also extended to my colleagues in the Council of Ministers for your cooperation and collaboration during this time.
The EOC is hereby de-activated, and all authorities to deal with any eventualities revert to the relevant Ministers.
Any updates and information will continue to go through the Department of Communications (DCOMM) via the customary official government public information channels.
The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season is not yet over. We will still have several weeks to go before November 30th. Continue to remain prepared for whatever nature may bring, your level of preparedness and attention to updates from
Government’s official platforms can save lives.
It has been an honor to serve you as Prime Minister through the preparation for, the passing and aftermath of Hurricane Tammy, until the next event, May God Bless Sint Maarten, and her people. Thank you, Sint Maarten, do stay safe.
For official weather-related information, check out the website of MDS: www.meteosxm.com or visit their social media page Facebook.com/sxmweather/
The Sint Maarten community is urged to learn more about hurricane hazards and resources you need on how to prepare your family, home, or business for a storm/hurricane strike by visiting the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane where you will be able to download your “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide’ and “Hurricane Tracking Chart.” The information here is also valuable for new residents.
Listen to the Government Radio station SXMGOV – 107.9FM - for official information and news before, during and after a hurricane. You can also follow weather related news and information as well as national addresses by the Prime Minister, chairlady of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) by going to @SXMGOV Facebook Page.
Prime Minister on the reopening of School and Deactivation of EOC.
