News that up to a week ago 53 persons were utilising the emergency housing created after the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria might create the wrong impression regarding the current social problems, as the Minister giving the information readily acknowledged. People are still living in damaged homes with completely or partially missing roofs, some under a tarpaulin to keep them dry.
Others have moved in with families, relatives and friends. In fact, most probably consider the shelters a last resort and prefer to find their own alternative, be it usually temporary accommodations.
Part of the problem is homeowners being un- or underinsured, which in turn affects landlords and tenants alike. The plan to spend NAf. 3 million on a roof-repair programme and fix 300 before Christmas announced by caretaker Prime Minister William Marlin in Parliament is therefore not unreasonable with proper control to prevent abuse, although it raises questions how space can be created in an already depleted national budget.
With so many having lost their means of income and more being added practically every day, food also remains an issue, especially since the physical delivery of relief goods has all but ended. A programme offering NAf. 150 vouchers for “basic necessities” at several supermarkets every two weeks to families who qualify is now being introduced.
Until recently Social Affairs had processed 813 applications for financial assistance. That may not seem like a lot, but – again – human nature is often to first try to help oneself rather than immediately knocking on Government’s door.
To alleviate the current crisis situation, a boost to the hard-hit tourism economy that could be provided by 550 million euros in reconstruction aid pledged by the Netherlands is badly needed. Both St. Maarten’s outgoing and future interim cabinets must make doing everything required to obtain that indispensable support their top priority.
