PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Almost ten years after Hurricane Irma devastated Sint Maarten, Gromyko Wilson is calling for an honest assessment of the country’s reconstruction, economic resilience and readiness for another major hurricane.
“Irma did more than destroy buildings,” Wilson said. “It exposed weaknesses in our infrastructure, emergency communications, public institutions and tourism-dependent economy. Almost a decade later, our people deserve to know what was promised, what was delivered and what remains unfinished.”
Wilson acknowledged the reconstruction of Princess Juliana International Airport as an important national achievement. The rebuilt terminal reopened in November 2024 with stronger hurricane-resistant features, modern equipment and restored passenger capacity.
“The airport is our principal completed reconstruction project, and it is essential to our economy,” Wilson said. “But rebuilding the airport cannot be presented as rebuilding an entire country. Other critical projects, including the new hospital, national library, schools, wastewater infrastructure, mental-health facility and sustainable waste-management solutions, remain unfinished or delayed.”
Wilson has long advocated for improved weather-monitoring equipment, emergency alert systems and reliable public communication before and during disasters. He welcomed the new joint weather radar, automatic weather stations, rain gauges and sea-level monitoring equipment. But he still believes that the island needs to reintroduce the Emergency Horn System specially like the increase of earthquake activities in the Caribbean and Northern part of South America.
“Weather equipment is vital, but collecting information is only the first step,” Wilson said. “Warnings must reach every resident quickly, including those without internet access. That is why I have consistently advocated for dependable emergency alerts, proper communication systems and regular public testing.”
Wilson said the national cell-broadcast system — intended to deliver emergency alerts directly to mobile phones without an app or internet connection — must become fully operational and be tested publicly.
“We need to know whether our shelters are ready, whether emergency supplies are available and whether our hospital, utilities, airport, port and telecommunications systems can continue operating after a major storm,” Wilson said. “Preparedness must be demonstrated through testing, not merely promised in reports.”
Wilson also questioned whether Sint Maarten’s economy has become more resilient. Although tourism and passenger arrivals have recovered, the country remains heavily dependent on tourism, aviation, imported goods and overseas markets.
“A stronger airport does not automatically mean a resilient economy,” Wilson said. “One hurricane, pandemic or international recession can still disrupt employment, government revenue and household income. We must diversify our economy, strengthen small businesses, improve food and energy security and establish adequate disaster reserves and insurance.”
Wilson called on the government to publish a clear “Irma Recovery and Readiness Report Card” before the tenth anniversary in September 2027.
The report, he said, should identify every major reconstruction project, the money spent, reasons for delays and the country’s present level of hurricane readiness.
