That Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA Omar Ottley signed a bilateral accord with the Netherlands (see related story) for a grant to continue COVID-19 crisis-related food assistance is good news. It also comes none too soon, as the effort coordinated by the Red Cross ended a month-and-a-half ago.
Those depending on the grocery parcels and/or supermarket vouchers will no doubt have been sorely looking out for the former programme’s resumption. Partner in its coordination the St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF) has been requested to take over and start preparations pending a final execution agreement with government.
The impact of this should not be underestimated, because reportedly 4,800 households totalling 15,000 individuals were reached. Islanders generally prefer not to ask for handouts, so when they do it is usually because of a real need.
Much concern has been expressed over apparent widespread misuse, but there will always be some who try to unjustly profit from such situations. It remains important to tackle these practices, but not to the extent that the process of feeding the people who are legitimate recipients is interrupted any longer, with all possible consequences for their wellbeing.
