The president of Saint-Martin has vowed to rebuild the island’s infrastructure following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Irma.
President of the Collectivite of Saint-Martin, Daniel Gibbs detailed the work ahead in a statement and says security of the territory is under control with the arrival of French military and Police forces.
Post-hurricane relief and restoration is under way to distribute water, food and essential materials to communities and restoring power.
"A group of experts should arrive very soon on the island to realize an evaluation of the hotels, residences and guest houses to help in the rebuilding of tourist infrastructure," Gibbs said.
The President ‘warmly thanks all tourism partners and operators around the world who are supporting us in this difficult time’ while acknowledging there is a long road ahead ‘to restore the territory’s attractiveness.’
French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to rebuild St. Martin and other islands of the French Caribbean impacted by Irma, and is in the Caribbean this week assessing the widespread damage.
"St. Martin will be reborn, I promise. I will shake up all the rules and procedures so the job is done as quickly as possible. It will be done quickly, it will be done well, and it will be done better."
