GREAT BAY (DCOMM) :--- After assessments carried out by the country's emergency services, due to high water on several main roads and other infrastructure challenges; there are dangerous conditions along with mud slides and debris that warrant a national curfew for the public and public safety.
The Department of Disaster Management (ODM) informs the community that the Airport and Port will remain in operation.
Taxi's and tour busses are allowed to operate to take tourists to their destination (airport, port or hotels). Persons that prove they have to pick up somebody at the airport will be allowed to pass the road check points.
By order of the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, a curfew will be in effect as of 12.00PM on Saturday, November 08 until further notice. As a reminder, all businesses must close as soon as possible. Motorists are advised to stay off the road and remain out of harm's way.
The following categories are exempted from the curfew: government personnel; personnel of crucial companies and organizations (Harbour, Airport including airline personnel, NV GEBE, Telem Group, UTS/Caribserve, St. Maarten Cable TV, WTN TV, St. Maarten Medical Center, Sea Rescue, Zenitel, Red Cross, WIMA, WIEMS and White & Yellow Cross, all of the above to use their own pass to go to their place of work and return home; (sub) contractors and their staff hired by the Ministry of VROMI; transportation passes for hotel staff; business owners and members of vital organizations to assess possible damage to their property. These entities will have to show their hurricane pass at police and military check points.
Due to the extent of the torrential rainfall throughout the country; all motorists must be off the roadway by 12.00PM as a curfew will go into effect for Dutch Sint Maarten.
The curfew has been initiated to allow emergency services and clean-up crew's free access to carry out their work that is necessary to address the current situation caused by flooding.
Pedestrians are advised to stay out of flood waters which could be contaminated and could be harmful to health. There could also be hidden debris under the water.
Avoid hillside areas due to the threat of mud and rock falls. Weather conditions are expected to remain the same.
The community's full cooperation is required here.
Police and the Military will be out to enforce the curfew.
There will be another update at 6.00PM.
Please stay safe and keep out of harm's way.
