Newly-sworn-in Prime Minister Leona Romeo-Marlin’s message of sympathy to the Netherlands (see related story) led to some local amusement. After all, was the thinking, what is a winter storm compared to the monster hurricanes that recently affected this region.
However, three persons died in the Netherlands on Thursday due to the inclement weather. What’s more, St. Maarten people are living there too as mentioned by the prime minister.
Regardless of the latter though, it’s first and foremost about solidarity within the kingdom. Just as the Dutch were quick to provide substantial emergency relief after Irma devastated the island, so the Government in Philipsburg is now doing the right thing by immediately expressing its unwavering support to the European country in general and particularly families of the victims.
Saying one is grateful is one thing, showing it quite another. The truth is that “The Friendly Island” has an awful lot to thank the Netherlands for, including its decision to pledge no less than 550 million euros to help rebuild St. Maarten.
That these funds will be disbursed via the World Bank to ensure transparency and accountability does not change the fact that the government in The Hague was very generous in approving such a large amount. Controversial conditions were also attached, but in the end the money is being made available and ultimately that’s what really counts.
