Confirmation that the Dutch Government is releasing 7 million euros for short-term recovery projects pending arrangements for the 500-million-euro-plus Reconstruction Fund with the World Bank is good news. The money will mainly go to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) already engaged in various forms of relief that have proven quite valuable following the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Irma.
The entities named so far are the White and Yellow Cross, the Red Cross and the United Nations (UN), obviously through its agencies. These have good track records and will receive support to be able to continue their efforts on behalf of the community for six months.
The goal during this “bridging phase” is to book immediate, visible and tangible results regarding the most urgent needs of the people, particularly vulnerable groups in society. This includes providing roofs over the heads of elderly residents and two meals per day for schoolchildren.
These matters are also important to “prevent a standstill and worsening of the point of departure” for the actual rebuilding process due to the socioeconomic fallout from St. Maarten’s worst-ever natural disaster. One noteworthy aspect in that regard is training local youngsters and now-unemployed hospitality workers for jobs in the construction and care sectors.
Micro-credit to (re)start small businesses and stimulating innovative entrepreneurship are equally welcome to help individuals – and consequently the country as a whole – secure their livelihood. It should also be noted that all this is separate from the 41 million euros reserved to cover St. Maarten’s 2017 deficit due to less earnings and having to spend more on cleaning up rubbish left behind by the catastrophe, social aid, etc.
So, while this initial assistance of 7 million euros clearly won’t solve all the acute problems the island faces, it can certainly mitigate the suffering and that way make a huge difference in the daily lives of those concerned.
