As a citizen of St. Maarten, I would like to use this public forum to thank the Honorable Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs and the Government of St. Maarten for their outstanding job to date in keeping St. Maarteners safe.
On March 16 I decided not to join my husband and youngest daughter on their flight to the U.S., but rather to remain in St. Maarten with my eldest daughter, parents and employees, who preferred staying on island or did not have the option to leave.
Now I know it is likely to be weeks or months before I can reunite with my loved ones. Not only am I separated from my family, but my life, safety and economic future rely on the decisions and actions of Prime Minister Jacobs and the Government of St. Maarten.
Like every citizen, my only option is to stay indoors and follow the coronavirus guidelines to ensure my own safety and that of our community. I know that governments worldwide are working tirelessly, making hard decisions and taking necessary measures to protect all citizens. As a citizen of St. Maarten, I hope and pray our elected leaders can work in unity, with strength, knowledge and compassion, to make the right choices to overcome COVID-19.
Since my life is now largely in others’ hands, I am communicating my concerns publicly, hoping that Prime Minister Jacobs will see my letter and take time to address them.
My major questions concern the specific steps being taken by St. Maarten Medical Center in the face of the coronavirus pandemic:
- SMMC has six beds for COVID-19 patients, and there now are now three patients admitted at SMMC. What preparations, if any, are being made for more beds?
- How many ventilators are available at SMMC? If we expect to receive more, how many and when?
- What medication is approved for administration by SMMC to fight the coronavirus? What level of supply is available?
- I understand that a person who has tested positive should isolate at home. At what point does SMMC accept a COVID-19 patient?
- Prime Minister Jacobs has invited retired medical staff and local medical students to assist at SMMC. How many staff doctors and nurses are available to care for COVID-19 patients, and what steps are being taken to hire more medical professionals?
- How is the safety of first responders being protected (with masks, gloves and other protective gear)? What levels of supplies are available on island?
- Patients are usually flown off-island for medical care. Is this an option for St. Maarten citizens infected with the coronavirus? If so, which countries or islands would patients be allowed to fly to? At what point will SMMC authorize patients to seek medical care elsewhere?
I have questions related to security:
- Prime Minister Jacobs has stated that government requested military support. Has this been authorized, and when do we expect support to arrive on St. Maarten? Will the military provide medical support?
My other questions relate to the economy:
- I believe all commercial businesses will suffer greatly and in some cases landlords will be unable to support their tenants; this may trickle down to businesses being unable to pay staff. Can government intervene and insist that all banks relieve businesses of loan payments for at least three months? This would avoid extra stress and conflicts within our business community. Banks can send the confirmation of the moratorium directly to commercial loan customers.
Government of St. Maarten has done an amazing job communicating with the public, but I feel that there is a need for a platform where citizens can list their concerns and questions. I look forward to a press release addressing my concerns, which are also the concerns of the entire community of St. Maarten.
I hope our community will learn from others suffering around the world. As Prime Minister Jacobs mentioned many times, isolation is the only way to slow the spread of COVID-19. It will make a big difference if everyone would stay home to safeguard their families. It is our duty as citizens to protect and respect each other during our battle with the coronavirus.
Madame Prime Minister, I’ve known you my entire life growing up on St. Maarten, and I know you have the people of St. Maarten at heart. I wish you much strength in the coming weeks and months while you work to assure the wellbeing of St. Maarteners. I’m proud to have you as our leader, and may God bless you and your family during this time.
Huguette Halley
Concerned Citizen of St. Maarten
