A survey by St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) on the economic impact of GEBE’s frequent electricity outages (see related story) leaves little room for doubt. Nineteen per cent of respondents reported loss of stock and 41% loss of business.
It is a regrettable circumstance that currently cannot be changed from one day to the next. Caretaker Prime Minister Luc Mercelina told Parliament last week Tuesday that – if things go as planned – load-shedding would ease in five weeks.
Power is at least being cut by a fairly stable schedule, so those involved will just have to exercise patience and adapt activities accordingly. While the private sector is suffering, Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino, Oyster Bay Beach Resort, JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort and Spa, Royal Palm Beach Resort and Flamingo Beach Resort (both Hilton Vacation Club) along with American University of the Caribbean (AUC) are assisting by disconnecting from the grid and running on their generators at set time periods to boost capacity.
That is the kind of cooperation people expect during what may be considered a national emergency, similar to in cases of natural disasters. Government and its utility company are now obviously doing everything reasonably possible to end the immediate crisis and could use all the help they can get.
SHTA, the Dutch side’s main employers’ organisation, also provided related tips for its members, some of which apply to residences as well. It’s when confronting situations like these that the patriotic saying “country above self” must be put into practice.
