Deputy Prime Minister in solidarity with the people of the islands stricken by Hurricane Tomas
Deputy Prime Minister Theo Heyliger says the people and Government are in solidarity with the people of Curacao, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Barbados that have recently experienced widespread damage in parts of their island nations caused by the passing of Hurricane Tomas.
The extent of damage is coming to the forefront as assessment teams on the various islands carry out their surveys.
Curacao received approximately six hours of constant rainfall that led to severe flooding after downgraded Tropical Storm Tomas became stationary North of the island earlier in the week.
"We are in solidarity with the people of Curacao and the Government of Prime Minister Gerrit Schotte after hearing about the extensive flooding that parts of that island have experienced.
"The people and Government of Sint Maarten also offer our condolences to those who have lost their lives during the passing of Tomas.
"Sint Maarten is prepared to assist our fellow brothers and sisters on Curacao should the need arise. We remember the assistance provided to us back in 1995 after the passing of Hurricane Luis with the provision of human resources.
"We can fully sympathize and comprehend what the people of the various islands are experiencing at this point in time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them as they start to rebuild their lives.
"As a nation we also pray for the people of Haiti who have already gone through so much with the devastating January 12 earthquake that left close to 300,000 people dead and about 1.3 million still living in make-shift tent villages.
"Even though Tomas has weakened to a tropical depression, it could regain hurricane strength. We hope that the system fizzles out and no longer poses a threat to any land," Deputy Prime Minister Theo Heyliger said on Wednesday.
The Saint Lucia National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) is reporting five (5) confirmed deaths. Damage has been projected to surpass US$100 million. The death toll could rise further as search and rescue efforts continue.
Two persons were seriously injured on St. Vincent and more than 1200 houses have sustained damage ranging from slight to total destruction. There are over 1150 persons in shelters. Seven government buildings were also damaged.
There was widespread devastation of the agriculture sector to the bananas and plantain fields.