Status
Dependency of the Netherlands (40%) and of France (60%)
Population
75,000
Population Affected
100%
Lives Lost
14
Destruction
Struct. damaged: 80%
Two European governments rule the island. Sint Maarten is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Saint Martin is a overseas territory of France. On 6 and 7 September 2017 the island was pummeled by a direct hit from Category 5 Hurricane Irma, which caused widespread and significant damage to buildings and infrastructure leaving the entire population devoid of basic necessities and looting had become a serious problem.
On September 12th President Macron of France visited Saint Martin as well as Guadeloupe and St.Barts (which was also heavily damaged by Hurricane Irma). He pledged Euro 50M to help in the rebuilding effort.
Important Considerations
-
- The island experienced extensive damage due to its location within the dirty side of Cat 5 Hurricane Irma.
- Both France and the Netherlands faced some criticism for the response time in providing aid and resources. However both countries have pledged significant resources to aid in the recovery, which will still be long and arduous.
Ways to Help
There are many ways to help. There are critical needs that have to be addressed immediately. It is also critical to think of the long term work needed to help St. Martin recover. To give now below you will find a list of charities and organizations. Consider taking the pledge to stay connected to the island and their recovery by committing to giving in the future so creating lasting impact. Planning a visit to Antigua, which escaped major damage, would also help the economy. You can also commit to learning more and hopefully doing more about Climate Change and it’s impact on us all but particularly the most vulnerable places on earth.
Make the Pledge.
To help these islands recover one of the most important things you can give is your long term attention. Take the pledge to stay informed about the recovery and needs of these special places. Any help now or in the future can make a difference. Also consider promising to visit the Caribbean soon. These islands all depend on Tourism to survive. You can even simply pledge to learn more and do more about Climate Change, that helps us all. Take the pledge, share it with your friends and make a lasting difference.
