My fellow people of Sint Maarten,
As we approach the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, I address you today not only as your Prime Minister, but as a fellow resident of this beautiful country who understands firsthand what this season can mean for our families, our homes, our livelihoods, and our peace of mind.
For us in Sint Maarten, hurricane season is not simply a date on the calendar. It is a period that reminds us of our vulnerability, but also of our strength. We remember the lessons of the past. We remember the uncertainty, the fear, the devastation, but we also remember the resilience of our people. We remember neighbors helping neighbors, families opening their homes to others, emergency workers risking their lives, and a nation that refused to give up.
Those experiences taught us something important: preparedness saves lives.
This year’s hurricane season officially begins on June 1st and runs through November 30th. Forecasts indicate another active season for the Atlantic region, and while we pray that Sint Maarten is spared from major impacts, we cannot depend on hope alone. Preparation must be our responsibility.
I want to speak directly to every household, every business owner, every parent, every senior citizen, every young person, and every resident of this country: now is the time to prepare.
Do not wait for a storm warning to begin securing your home or gathering supplies. By the time a storm is approaching, it may already be too late to complete critical preparations safely.
I urge all residents to review their emergency plans with their families. Know where you will shelter if necessary. Ensure you have enough food, water, medication, batteries, important documents, and emergency supplies to sustain your household for several days. Check on elderly relatives, neighbors living alone, and persons who may need additional support during an emergency.
To our business community, your preparedness is equally important. Review your continuity plans, secure your properties, protect important data and equipment, and ensure your staff understand emergency procedures. The strength of our economy after a storm depends greatly on how prepared we are beforehand.
As Chair of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), I already convened a meeting with the EOC on May 27, 2026, as part of Government’s continued proactive approach toward hurricane preparedness and national response coordination. During these discussions, key stakeholders and emergency management officials reviewed preparedness measures, response readiness, inter-agency coordination, communication protocols, shelter preparedness, and operational planning for the upcoming season. This meeting reflects Government’s commitment to remaining vigilant, prepared, and coordinated ahead of any potential threat.
Government continues to work actively together with our emergency services, ministries, utility companies, and key stakeholders to strengthen preparedness and response capabilities ahead of the season. This includes ongoing coordination through our national disaster management framework, shelter readiness assessments, public infrastructure preparations, and continued collaboration with regional and international partners.
I also wish to express my sincere gratitude to all first responders, emergency personnel, healthcare workers, volunteers, utility workers, and community organizations who stand ready every year to serve and protect this country, often under extremely difficult circumstances. Your dedication does not go unnoticed.
At the same time, preparedness is not only the responsibility of government. Disaster resilience begins at home and within our communities. We all have a role to play.
Let us also remember that storms do not affect everyone equally. There are families among us who may struggle to afford supplies or secure their homes adequately. If you are in a position to help someone in need, I encourage you to do so. A simple act of kindness, sharing supplies, helping clear a yard, assisting an elderly neighbor, or offering support to a vulnerable family can make a meaningful difference.
Sint Maarten has always shown its greatest strength during challenging times. We are a resilient people. We are a compassionate people. And when we stand together, there is no challenge we cannot face.
I ask everyone to stay informed throughout the hurricane season by following official government channels, emergency notifications, and verified information sources. Avoid spreading rumors or misinformation, especially during times of uncertainty, as accurate information can save lives.
My fellow people of Sint Maarten,
Preparedness is not about fear. It is about responsibility. It is about protecting the people we love and ensuring that our country can recover quickly and safely should a storm threaten us.
Let us enter this hurricane season alert, prepared, united, and committed to looking out for one another.
May God continue to bless and protect Sint Maarten and all who call this country home.
Thank you.
Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina
