In her comments regarding the stranded Carnival cruise liner Carnival Dream the Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams stated that she wished the passengers and crew of the stranded cruise ship all the best and ensured that her Government has done their utmost to ensure that the needs of primarily the passengers and crew but also of the cruise line are being met.
"Although the situation was never serious it is indeed still unfortunate that something like this has happened, but the Government of St. Maarten has gone to great lengths to ensure that the needs of the passengers and crew have been and are being met. The Government of St. Maarten has provided logistical support and services in order to assist carnival in ensuring that the comfort of the passengers and crew remained a top priority. Technical assistance was also provided by the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure in coordination with the St. Maarten Port Authority.
"The Ministry of General Affairs Section Fire Department provided assistance in the form of a 100 meter hose that was to resupply the vessel with clean water while the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labor kept in touch with the ship’s agent and Port Authority should any assistance be required. The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications/Tourist Bureau has also played a role.
"From what I understood passengers have also now disembarked the cruise liner and having said that I am sure the people of St. Maarten will show the friendliness they are so known for in welcoming the passengers with open arms back to our shores.
"To the passengers I say enjoy your extended stay on the Friendly Island and make use of what it has to offer while the Government of St. Maarten cooperates with Carnival Cruise Lines to ensure that the current situation is resolved in a seamless and effortless manner," commented the Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams.