PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The application process for the annual Hurricane Passes for the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season concluded at the end of June.
There are two types of passes, the Disaster Pass and the Hurricane Pass. Hurricane passes are issued to essential business owners and workers of essential organizations who comply with the requirements.
The hurricane pass is only for the bearer and is issued to essential services workers and allows to access the public road to visit the place of business and to assess possible damage to their property and to continue their operations which are vital for society as soon as possible, only during certain hours that will be stipulated and announced by the Prime Minister under a curfew situation.
The disaster pass is only for the bearer and is issued to essential services workers and allows to access the public road to visit the place of business and to carry out the necessary works and make sure to continue operations of essential services which are vital for society even during the curfew hours stipulated and announced by the Prime Minister.
The bearer of the pass is not allowed to be traveling during the curfew with family members or employees who do not have a pass.
The Office of Disaster Management that falls under the Ministry of General Affairs, handles the application process for the passes on behalf of the Prime Minister.
The Hurricane Pass is valid for the 2020 and 2021 hurricane seasons and will remain the property of the Government of Sint Maarten. Any abuse of the pass can mean the pass will be taken away and the person will not be eligible to request a pass in the future.
The pass system is a mechanism to maintain public order during emergency situations. The Prime Minister assesses the damage in conjunction with Emergency Disaster Management entities of the Government after a disaster has occurred and can impose a curfew if the extent of the damage poses a threat to the safety and security of the community.