Since 2017, K1 Britannia Foundation has been making massive jumps and leaps to take disaster preparedness seriously on St. Maarten following the devastation of Hurricane Irma. A year later in September 2018, having gained the experience of being at the forefront of disaster relief, K1 decided to create a dedicated and equipped volunteer team to be prepared for any future disasters, both in St. Maarten and in Curacao, called K1 DIRECT.
K1 DIRECT has partnered with local organizations, such as Windward Island Emergency Medical Services (WIEMS), and international organizations to strengthen the team’s knowledge. Most recently, K1 DIRECT collaborated with United Nations Disaster Assessment & Coordination (UNDAC)’s.
Mr. Jacob Seen, better known as Sjaak, wholeheartedly volunteered his time to give a two-week training workshop on disaster response. Sjaak is no stranger to the island, as he was first deployed to St. Maarten back in 1995 for Hurricane Luis. As an UNDAC team member, he was asked by the Government of Sint Maarten to assist with disaster coordination and assessment for the affected population.
Sjaak recalled both times of devastation in St. Maarten of high degree, but highlighted that St. Maarten’s community has always remained resilient. In 2017 during Irma, there was a longer period of relief and aid needed immediately after the destruction, here Sjaak/UNDAC had a larger role to fill in emergency operations and this is where K1 first worked with Sjaak and where their relationship began.
In the months following Irma, K1 DIRECT management made several trips to the Netherlands to meet with Sjaak, who then helped to mentor the dedicated disaster and crisis team over the last 12 months. Consequently, Sjaak came back to assist with trainings for K1 DIRECT in Disaster/Crisis Management & Emergency Logistics.
Reflecting on his experiences with K1, which was identified as a key partner in disaster relief on St. Maarten, Sjaak felt humbled to see how K1 was able to touch the people in need during devastation. Through this, their relationship strengthened and continues to grow.
From the Netherlands, Sjaak currently holds a position as the Regional Operational Team Leader/Disaster Crisis Manager for UNDAC, one of 200 Team Leaders globally, and has been with UNDAC for the last 15 years. His career in Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Crisis has been built through his work with Safety Region Rotterdam and Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR.NL).
Sjaak said that areas of his career that shaped his path are attested to the Navy where he learnt independence and responsibility, as well as his years at the Fire Department where he was able to have many roles that allowed him to understand the importance of having a good team.
Sjaak has a vast amount of knowledge in the field of Humanitarian Crisis and Relief, having gone on a total of 14 missions around the globe. It takes someone with a big heart and passion to manage crisis and disaster for a living. When travelling to a country that has been catastrophically hit, you tend to truly understand a country’s ethos.
Sjaak highlighted his most eye-opening experience while working on missions as witnessing how resilient people are. People who have lost everything have a deep will to survive, strength to pick up the pieces and motivation to build not only for themselves, but the community.
On a recent interview with Lady Grace of 102.7FM, Sjaak stated he felt St. Maarten had an urge to do better in disaster preparedness. This is why he came back this time around to assist with trainings for K1 DIRECT. As St. Maarten is in a disaster prone region, the island must continue its efforts with disaster preparedness. His hopes are that we as a community can engage the population at large on how to be prepared.
Sjaak commends K1 and the island on their efforts and strengths through Hurricane Irma. He shares a connection with the community and the vibe that we all feel here. Sjaak stated, “Even though St. Maarten was strong enough to pick up the pieces after Irma, they opened up and allowed me to share knowledge and support to help make the process easier.
“I admire this openness to others, as well as K1’s dedication to making a difference on St. Maarten. It is truly special to see how serious K1 is taking disaster preparedness as they do it from the heart. K1 stands for humanity, because they are not just working within disaster relief, but also for the youth and community at large.”
Sjaak has shared valuable information on topics of Principles of Humanitarian Aid, Humanitarian Mission Cycle, Search & Rescue, Crisis Management, Information Management, Reception & Departure Centers and Emergency Logistics to interested participants. He hopes that each participant extends their knowledge gained and continues to train to improve as a team.
K1 Britannia Co-founder Priya Thirumur: “One of the things I admire most about Sjaak is his immeasurable knowledge, and humility to serve in disaster situations by leading by example and always taking the humble seat to assist others in doing their best. His approach is very professional and ethical with humanity and service in his heart. He is a role model and mentor for myself and K1 DIRECT and we look forward to having Sjaak as a mentor for many years to come.”
