‘Anyone has the capability to make a positive difference’
By Laura Bijnsdorp
Dirk Jan (DJ), Joost and their small team of volunteers have been spending most of their time in the kitchen since their arrival on the island. Usually, the couple cooks for their in-house restaurant clientele, located in a small town in the Netherlands. Volunteering their time for the past four weeks, and with the kind donations of local and international funds, DJ and Joost have been able to cook and share out some 100 meals a day, saying, “It has been one of the most rewarding experiences in our life thus far.”
DJ and Joost: “We knew it would be bad, but I think no one thought that hurricane Irma would cause such destruction.” The couple lived on Sint Maarten between 2010 and 2013, teaching musical theatre at National Institute of the Arts (NIA). They were in the Netherlands at the time of the storm. “We made a list of people that were dear to us on the island. It took us about a week to account for all the names,” says Joost. DJ adds, “Thanks to social media, I think we heard some news, even before most of the residents on Sint Maarten.”
DJ and Joost spent the month after the storm, helping out where they could. They volunteered for missing person platforms, aid distribution groups and rallied resources in the Netherlands. Joost: “We wanted to head back to the island to help right away, but had learned from other volunteer-missions in the past that it is often best to wait till there is a demand. The island was already struggling with supplies.”
A few months ago, DJ and Joost got a call from Mercedes De Windt. Mercedes had been running a “Happy Vegan Lunches” program that provided 100 free meals a day to care-institutions, shelters or hard-hit neighbourhoods. Running out of volunteers, who now had to get back to work, Mercedes asked DJ and Joost if they would be willing to come to Sint Maarten to continue the program. The couple arrived on Sint Maarten a month ago.
DJ and Joost felt mixed emotions on their first day. Joost was impressed by how hard people were working towards reconstruction and how far the island had come. DJ was hit a bit harder by the hurricane-transformed island: “I think it was a combination of relief I felt that I was finally here and seeing the destruction first-hand. I just had to cry that day.”
But they did not have much time to dwell on their emotions. “On Sunday, we arrived; on Monday, we went to talk to our good friends at NIA and organized a kitchen-space; and on Tuesday, we cooked our first hundred meals for the community,” explains Joost.
Five days a week for the past month, DJ and Joost get up early to do groceries. Then for three hours, often with the help of some friends, they cook enough to provide 100 meals. The meals are done, just in time for lunch, and with two cars, they head out to whoever can really use the food.
Dirk: “At times we receive requests from non-profit foundations that cater to vulnerable groups and other times we head into hard-hit and hard-to-reach neighbourhoods.” Thus far, the meals have reached the residents of Dutch Quarter, Middle Region, Cay Bay, Cay Hill and Upper Princess Quarter among others. They often get requests to return to neighbourhoods; which they have tried to accommodate.
“It is obvious that there are a lot of people who are still struggling,” DJ says. The couple has encountered many who are living in deplorable conditions. Joost: “I think that when you drive on the main roads, you don’t always notice the areas that are worse off.”
DJ was especially touched by an older lady they met just a few days ago: “We have encountered many who are having a very hard time, but his story just broke my heart. We were sharing out meals and met a grandmother, who is taking care of her grandson. As many others, her home is falling apart and barely protected by a tarp. She told us when it rains; her home floods and she can feel the rats at her feet. She doesn’t know how to get the funds to repair her home.”
The couple both agree that housing is one of the priorities. DJ: “It’s not just sad to see, it’s also just unsafe and unhealthy for persons to be living in these conditions.”
The support for their free meal program has been immense. Individuals – local and abroad, especially through their connections in the Netherlands – have been donating funds for groceries on a regular basis. Businesses have also extended a hand by providing supplies.
The couple also organizes their own fundraisers in the form of dinner and a show. “We cook good food and we entertain you with song,” DJ and Joost describe. They both have a background in musical theatre – skills that they are also using to teach free classes at the NIA’s Healing Arts Program four nights a week.
On Thursday, March 8, DJ and Joost will be hosting a “Dinner Chantant” at Karakter Beach Bar and Restaurant. The evening will include a three-course vegan dinner and live music by DJ, Joost and Ayan. It’s $45 per person and all proceeds will go to the 100 Meal Program, Animal Defenders, and NIA. The couple hopes to be extending the free meal program – as well as their free musical theatre classes. DJ: “There is still so much that can be done.”
When asked what priorities should be set on St. Maarten regarding the rebuilding of the island, the couple says, “There are many things that need to be done. Hopefully, many things can be improved through the rebuilding fund and government incentives BUT individuals can play a big role as well. No matter who you are, anyone has the capability to make a positive difference! Extend a kind word, a hug or a listening ear – that’s something anyone can do.”
For those who are looking to contribute to the efforts of DJ and Joost; sponsoring one meal or one (youth) drama lesson is just $5. You can easily donate by surfing to www.helpsxm.org. If you wish to donate in person or have any questions, send DJ and Joost a message on www.facebook.com/helpsxm
