Thursday is Thanksgiving Day, a traditional American holiday. Many travellers from the US are expected on the island as always for the festivities that usually include a meal with turkey.
Many locals also observe it, no doubt due to the growing presence of US visitors, often repeat guests and – by now – part- or full-time residents over time and their impact. Truth be told, islanders don’t need much of an excuse to celebrate either.
The main goal is, of course, to express gratitude for the blessings of the past year, which is always a good idea. There is an unrelated annual thanksgiving religious service in St. Maarten, which has to do with the end of the Atlantic hurricane season.
The latter won’t be quite over until this weekend, but the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami does not foresee any tropical activity during the next seven days. It’s thus safe to conclude that the country has again been spared major storms.
Ernesto and other systems caused some minor damage and nuisance, while recent heavy rainfall showed the vulnerability of Dutch side infrastructure and a need to better regulate building practices particularly in the hills. On the whole, though, there is enough reason to be thankful in that regard as well.
Fire and sceptic trucks quickly helped alleviate badly flooded areas. The speed with which roads were cleared by the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI together with contractors and others was commendable, and the same goes for efforts to keep the water levels of the Salt and Fresh Ponds in check, despite the storm pump breaking down more than once.
So, while people who suffered any serious consequences of inclement weather have every right to feel bad and even complain, most don’t really. They should learn to see their proverbial glass as half-full rather than -empty.