PHILIPSBURG:--- In a continued effort to fortify the country’s disaster resilience, the Honorable Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs, Dr. Luc Mercelina, in his capacity as Chair of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), held a high-level meeting with representatives of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) on Monday, June 16, 2025.
CDEMA, the regional intergovernmental agency responsible for disaster management across the Caribbean, has had St. Maarten as an associate member as of 2024. This week’s engagement marks further intensification of regional integration and collaboration aimed at enhancing national readiness and safeguarding the people of St. Maarten from the escalating threats of natural and man-made hazards.
“This is not just about managing disasters when they happen—it’s about building a culture of resilience before they do,” said Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina. “Our meeting with CDEMA is a powerful step toward integrating regional expertise into our local strategies. We are not alone in this; we are part of a Caribbean family that believes in preparedness, solidarity, and shared solutions.”
In the coming days, several stakeholder sessions are scheduled with a broad range of local actors to present the full suite of CDEMA services and to identify St. Maarten’s unique disaster preparedness and response needs. These sessions are designed to create a customized roadmap for stronger institutional frameworks, improved early warning systems, and community-level resilience.
“The active involvement of our national stakeholders ensures that our disaster risk management is not just policy on paper, but a practical, community-centered approach,” Dr. Mercelina emphasized. “By working with CDEMA, we gain access to critical resources and a network of support that can make the difference between chaos and coordinated response in times of crisis.”
In addition to these consultations, a special session was held with the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Ms. Melissa Gumbs, to focus on the Caribbean Safe School Initiative (CSSI). This initiative is designed to strengthen school safety and ensure continuity of education during emergencies—a top priority for the Government of St. Maarten.
“Our children must feel safe in their learning environments, and our schools must be equipped to respond effectively when disasters strike,” said Prime Minister Mercelina. “Through the CSSI, we are taking tangible steps to protect the next generation and guarantee that education is never disrupted, no matter the circumstance.”
The Government of St. Maarten remains committed to implementing comprehensive disaster risk reduction strategies, grounded in regional cooperation, community engagement, and evidence-based policymaking.
“Preparedness is not a luxury—it is a necessity,” Dr. Mercelina concluded. “Through these partnerships and proactive planning, we will build a safer, more resilient St. Maarten for all.”