- Updates from the Islands -

- - St.Maarten/St.Martin - -

- - - 2003 Hurricane Season - - -

- Update

From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2004 11:52:53 -0400

Hello from St. Maarten!

It's cloudy and hot and very humid here, and has been that way for days.

we wish it would rain because we need it badly.

My husband is sailing tonight for race week in Antigua. Seas should be calm.. hopefully they will have a good wind!

It will be a busy week for our friends in Antigua!

Happy Racing !

and it will be a busy week in St Maarten too!

It's jump up time!

Carnivale is in full swing with the Grand Parade scheduled for April 30th!

- Update

From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2004 12:40:14 -0400

man oh man

serious winds here!

A cold front has moved southeast of us, followed by high winds

25 MPH and gusting to 35!

the seas are rough!

the wind is howling so much at night that I can't sleep

The Heineken Regatta starts here on Friday. Almost 300 boats will be racing.

they certainly will have more than enough wind..too much, in fact!

Lots of great parties all weekend too for those of us who don't sail!

---
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- Update

From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 11:20:42 -0400

the weather is gorgeous. The sea swells have died down and we had a marvelous time on our boat yesterday .

We came home at sunset, which, as you can see, was magnificent!

- Update

From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 18:50:16 -0400

It looks like everyone has been busy since the holidays. ..not too many people posting.

The weather on St Maarten has calmed down somewhat. We had a long spell of high winds, rough seas, and lots of rain squalls.

The winds seem to be calmer and so is the sea , so maybe this weekend might be a good boating weekend.

Last night was gorgeous with a beautiful full moon

- Update

From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2003 13:15:10 -0400

It's a beautiful day in St. Maarten!

the sky is blue and the trade winds are blowing , making the temperatures quite comfortable. In fact, at night, it is downright cold ,by Caribbean standards anyway!

I just came back from spending a wonderful morning at the St. Maarten Zoo with Gert and Annemarieke and their adorable children.

We had a lovely visit with each other and with the animals.

Happy New Year everyone!!!!!!!!

- Merry Christmas

From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2003 19:49:48 -0400

Merry Christmas to everyone!

It was a beautiful day in St Maarten.

There were 3 cruise ships in, even though all the stores in town were closed.

I am sure the tourists had fun just hanging out on the beach.

me? I ate way too much ham and turkey and Christmas sweets!

by the way, our guru Gert is on the island. I hope to see him before he returns.

- update

From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Tue, 9 Dec 2003 13:14:06 -0400

OFFICIAL RECORDS INDICATE THAT THE LAST TIME THERE WERE TWO
TROPICAL CYCLONES OF AT LEAST TROPICAL STORM STRENGTH IN DECEMBER
WAS 1887.

  WTNT41 KNHC 091632
TCDAT1
TROPICAL STORM PETER SPECIAL DISCUSSION NUMBER   2
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL
NOON EST TUE DEC 09 2003
 
SATELLITE IMAGES INDICATE THAT PETER IS DEVELOPING AN EYE FEATURE
AND MAXIMUM WINDS ARE STRONGER THAN EARLIER ESTIMATES. IN FACT..IF
THE EYE FEATURE PERSISTS...PETER COULD BE UPGRADED TO A HURRICALE
LATER TODAY.  NO CHANGES IN TRACK FROM THE PREVIOUS ADVISORY ARE
INDICATED IN THIS SPECIAL ADVISORY.

- this is one for the history books!

From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Tue, 9 Dec 2003 11:35:39 -0400

Amazing!

000
WTNT31 KNHC 091424
TCPAT1
BULLETIN
TROPICAL STORM PETER ADVISORY NUMBER   1
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL
10 AM EST TUE DEC 09 2003

...AND YET ANOTHER TROPICAL STORM...

SATELLITE IMAGES INDICATE THAT THE GALE CENTER IN THE FAR EASTERN
ATLANTIC HAS ACQUIRED TROPICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND IS NOW TROPICAL
STORM PETER...THE 16TH NAMED STORM OF THE 2003 ATLANTIC HURRICANE
SEASON. OFFICIAL RECORDS INDICATE THAT THE LAST TIME THERE WERE TWO
TROPICAL CYCLONES OF AT LEAST TROPICAL STORM STRENGTH IN DECEMBER
WAS 1887.    
 
AT 10 AM EST...1500Z...THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM PETER WAS
LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 20.0 NORTH...LONGITUDE 37.0 WEST OR ABOUT
800 MILES...1290 KM...WEST-NORTHWEST OF THE WESTERN MOST CAPE VERDE
ISLANDS.
 
PETER HAS BEEN NEARLY STATIONARY BUT IT BEGIN TO MOVE TOWARD THE
NORTH-NORTHEAST NEAR 12 MPH...19 KM/HR...SOON.
 
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 45 MPH...75 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS.  PETER SHOULD BEGIN TO WEAKEN DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS.
 
TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 115 MILES
...185 KM MAINLY TO THE EAST OF THE CENTER.
 
ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 1002 MB...29.59 INCHES.
 
REPEATING THE 10 AM EST POSITION...20.0 N... 37.0 W.  MOVEMENT
NEARLY STATIONARY.  MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS... 45 MPH.  MINIMUM
CENTRAL PRESSURE...1002 MB.
 
THE NEXT ADVISORY WILL BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER AT
4 PM EST.
 
FORECASTER AVILA

- Is hurricane season really over?

From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Wed, 3 Dec 2003 17:53:57 -0400

It's December folks!

no tropical depressions or storms are supposed to occur in December, right?

well, take a look at this forecast!

SPECIAL TROPICAL DISTURBANCE STATEMENT
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL
415 PM EST WED DEC 3 2003

SATELLITE IMAGERY AND SURFACE OBSERVATIONS INDICATE THAT AN AREA OF
DISTURBED WEATHER LOCATED OVER THE SOUTHWESTERN CARIBBEAN SEA
BETWEEN JAMAICA AND COLOMBIA IS BECOMING BETTER ORGANIZED. THE
SYSTEM IS MOVING NORTHWARD AT ABOUT 10 MPH AND THIS GENERAL MOTION
IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR THE NEXT DAY OR TWO. UPPER-LEVEL
CONDITIONS ARE SOMEWHAT FAVORABLE FOR ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENT TO
OCCUR...AND A TROPICAL DEPRESSION COULD FORM DURING THE NEXT DAY OR
SO. AN AIR FORCE RESERVE UNIT RECONNAISSANCE AIRCRAFT IS SCHEDULED
TO INVESTIGATE THE SYSTEM TOMORROW...IF NECESSARY.

FORECASTER STEWART

- Sad News from French St. Martin

From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Tue, 25 Nov 2003 17:54:14 -0400

hirty-six whales beached themselves on the coast of this Caribbean island
and died within hours despite the efforts of people who tried to push some
back out to sea.

The short-finned pilot whales were believed to have beached themselves
Monday night, and by noon Tuesday all were dead.

The animals were found before dawn by a man on his way to a dump in the
French Caribbean territory, which shares an island with Dutch St. Maarten.
Residents and tourists later gathered around the whales, which were up to 15
feet long.

People were able to push two whales back into the water, but they returned
and beached themselves again, appearing exhausted, said Paul Ellinger, of
the St. Maarten Nature Foundation. He said it seemed the whales had become
disoriented.

"What's clear is that they got off course. What caused them to go off
course? We'll have to check," Ellinger said. "It could be all kinds of
reasons; the temperature of the water, their sonar system. It could have
been anything."

Short-finned pilot whales usually swim in pods, and when a leader goes
astray the entire pod often follows, Ellinger said.

Biologists were keeping three carcasses to investigate.

The whales covered the beach along the shallow Grand Cailles Bay, the mouth
of which is fringed with coral reefs. The whales bore injuries apparently
sustained when they ran aground.

French police arrived Tuesday morning and closed off the spot as workers dug
beach-side graves to bury the remaining whales.

- Update

From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Sun, 23 Nov 2003 19:45:11 -0400

Last night we felt an earthquake in St Maarten at about 10:51 PM.

We heard this loud rumbling coming in our direction. Then our whole house shook. Then the rumbling passed us and continued off in the other direction.

Here are the statistics on this earthquake as reported by the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Unit.

On Saturday evening 22 November at 10:51p.m. an earthquake occurred about 70 km east of St. Martin. The preliminary location for the event is 17.99�N 62.35�W. The event was reported felt in St. St. Martin.

The picture to the left shows the location of the earthquake. The focal depth was approximately 17km. The magnitude was 3.4.

If you felt this event please contact us at:

uwiseismic@uwiseismic.com

saying where you were and what you felt

- Update

From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Sun, 16 Nov 2003 15:08:01 -0400

The sun must be shining somewhere but not here in St. Maarten

My mangos are happy though. Maybe I'll have mangos for Christmas this year

- Update

From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 2003 12:53:47 -0400

I stand corrected:

the sun WAS shining...briefly.

The storm clouds are rolling in again

- Update

From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 2003 09:47:17 -0400

All I have to say is:

the sun is shining this morning!

YES!!!!!!!!!

- Update

From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Fri, 14 Nov 2003 20:08:07 -0400

it's 8:00 PM and it has been raining for almost 2 hours

the ground is saturated. We cannot take much more rain

but look what seems to be heading our way!

- Update

From: Barbara Cannegieter <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Fri, 14 Nov 2003 10:50:35 -0400

good morning

It's Friday and no sun yet!

I just read this analysis on another weather site:

The models advertise the system (97L) NOT getting very far away from the islands as originally expected ... although it appears that the system doesn't look to develop significantly now, just the fact that it MAY linger around the vicinity isn't good news for areas that have been totally inundated by flooding rainfalls ...

so if that analysis is correct, the sunny Caribbean will remain cloudy for awhile.

I think I am getting sick of this!

- Update

From: Barbara Cannegieter <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Thu, 13 Nov 2003 12:51:57 -0400

Is it over yet?
Today is cloudy and drizzly on St. Maarten, BUT it is not raining!

we had a very heavy rain last night and then it rained off and on all night.

the system is on the move ,slwoly drifting Northeast, so they tell us to expect more rain but not as heavy as before.

I think St. Maarten has had 9 + inches. ( That is nothing compared to Puerto Rico which has had 20 inches in some places.. I send dry wishes to all my friends there.)

Here the Salt Pond and the fresh water pond are overflowing in places.

To make matters worse, the government pump isn't working so they cannot really pump the water out into the sea as they usually do.

way to go!

natural disasters and man made disaters to go along wiht it.

you would think they would be better prepared!

Rain ,Rain go away!

Come again another day! like next year maybe?

- Update

From: Barbara Cannegieter <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2003 10:03:43 -0400

Here on St. Maarten we had 6 inches or rain on Monday. Yesterday was raining lightly off and on all day until last night when the heavens opened up again. We must have had another 2 to 3 inches overnight.
today so far is cloudy but I can see patches of blue skies
Schools are cancelled for the day becauise of the weather..There are a lot of rocks and debris on the roads but I think everywhere is passable. We have been lucky with only minor flooding.
It seemed like so much rain to us but we are talking about maybe 8 inches max so far and with Lenny in 1999 we had 18 inches!

- Update

From: Barbara Cannegieter <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2003 11:03:04 -0400

Rain! Rain! Rain! Lots of rain!

we received 6 inches of rain yesterday and more than that in some parts of the island. And it is still raining although right now it is light rain.

Our local Met Office said to expect more of the same for awhile. They are watching the system since models seem to show that it might move Northeast over the next few days.

Today is St. Martin Day. All activities had to be cancelled.

There also are a lot of unhappy tourists on the island who will be going home with no suntans.

- Update

From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2003 10:56:58 -0400

Good morning from St. Maarten

we have lots of wind here right now. I found a lot of my plants blown over during the night.

we are also experiencing some squalls..heavy rain, high wind, blowing through quickly and then gone.

My friends are still sailing. They will have some choppy seas today I am sure

Here is a picture of some cruise ships that were in town the other day..

enjoy!

- Update

From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Thu, 30 Oct 2003 10:47:11 -0400

The weather in the Northern Caribbean has been beautiful the past few days. Today is more cloudy with rain showers however.

I just returned yesterday from 3 days sailing around St. Maarten, Anguilla, and St. Barths. The seas were extremely calm .

This was yesterday's sunset over St. Maarten as we were sailing over from St. Barths

- Update

From: Barbara Cannegieter <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2003 10:32:28 -0400

It's another beautiful day in the Caribbean for which we are very thankful.

Nicholas is staying away and the season is almost over.

the Hurricane Season that is.

Now we are getting ready for the Tourist Season which we hope will be a good one for St. Maarten.

the sunrises and sunsets in October are usually spectacular.

I took this partial sunset from my house.

Notice the island of St. Eustatius (Statia) in the background.

- rain,rain,don't go away

From: Barbara Cannegieter <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Thu, 9 Oct 2003 10:37:11 -0400

the tropical rain is finally bringing us some rain instead of just drizzle

yes!

we need it badly!

Bring us more! but no flooding please!

- Update

From: Barbara Cannegieter <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Thu, 2 Oct 2003 19:21:20 -0400

Today was a beautiful clear day.

We could see Saba, Statia, St. Kitts, Anguilla, and St Bart's very sharply.

the sea was like a lake

this picture was taken from my house tonight as one of the cruise ships was sailing West off into the sunset.

All's well in the Caribbean tonight!

- Update

From: Barbara Cannegieter <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2003 19:06:59 -0400

The Cape Verde season should be winding down about now. but there is a tropical wave just SW of the Cape Verde islands that looks impressive.

It sure is something for us in the islands to watch, I think

- Update

From: Barbara Cannegieter <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2003 06:17:53 -0400

Good morning

After a night of wonderful much needed rain, we had a lovely sunrise this morning on St. Maarten.

Have a good day, everyone!

- Update

From: Barbara Cannegieter <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2003 09:27:50 -0400

Last night we had some thunder and lightening and a nice hard rain fell for maybe 10 minutes.

That was the first rain we have had in a long time and we need more.

I hope that small disturbance east of us will not form into anything but will bring us some of that much needed rain.

- Kim Sha Beach

From: Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2003 11:32:26 -0400

Saturday, Sept. 13 - 09.00

Hurricane Isabel swells coming ashore at Kim Sha Beach on the South side of the island.

Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant

MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
@ Government Communications
@ Corporate Communications

Email: heylrody@sintmaarten.net
Cell 599-5529397, 5564217

P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.

- Isabel Swells at Kim Sha

From: Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2003 11:30:05 -0400

Saturday, September 13 - 09.00

On Friday afternoon, the Simpson Bay Bridge was open to allow small craft such as inter-island ferries to seek protection from Hurricane Isabel swells that were expected over the weekend. Sea conditions started to deteriorate on Wednesday afternoon. Small swells have been pounding the shoreline on the South side of the island. One can expect that they are much bigger on the North side of the island. The private dock owner for the second time removed the wooden planks from his dock. He went through the same exercise with Hurricane Fabian as it passed North of the islands.

Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant

MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
@ Government Communications
@ Corporate Communications

Email: heylrody@sintmaarten.net
Cell 599-5529397, 5564217

P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.

- Update

From: Barbara Cannegieter <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2003 12:45:44 -0400

sorry. I made a typo
that message board is
http://www.storm2k.org

- Update

From: Barbara Cannegieter <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2003 12:38:59 -0400

well, thankfully Isabel is no threat to the islands.

today is very hot and there is no breeze at all. Isabel is sucking up all the energy

I thought you might be interested in this satellite picture of Isabel taken this morning

There are 5 identically sized cyclonic convective complexes in the eyewall. This is normally only seen on Recon Radar! (Normally just one or two of them) They are rotating around the center of circulation which is also the same size as the convective complexes. These are the same types of complexes that created wide paths of extreme damage in S FL.

I lifted this from the Tropics message board at

http://www.strom2k.org

which is a great site for up to date information and discussions.

It's truly amazing and scary!!!!!!!!

- Update

From: Barbara Cannegieter <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2003 11:47:33 -0400

It's another beautiful day in St. Maarten

I hope our friends in Bermuda are getting back on track.

we've spent another few days worrying about Isabel. With each advisory though ,the threat to the islands seems to be diminishing.

I thought maybe you would like to see this satellite photo of Isabel. she's impressive.

Let's hope she stays away from all land.

- Update

From: Barbara Cannegieter <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2003 13:54:33 -0400

go to

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/data/JSJ/AFDSJU

for the latest regional forecast discussion out of Puerto Rico.

I like this site because they focus on the possibilites a little closer to home.

anyone heard anything from any of our friends in Bermuda?

- Update

From: Barbara Cannegieter <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2003 17:10:33 -0400

this is a portion of the curent area forecast discussion on Isabel from Puerto Rico 3:10 PM Saturday September 6

IN THE LONGER RANGE...TROPICAL STORM ISABEL HAS FORMED ACROSS THE
EASTERN TROPICAL ATLANTIC PAST 12 HOURS...AND WAS MOVING WESTWARD
THIS AFTERNOON. THIS SYSTEM IS FORECAST TO MAINTAIN A GENERAL
WESTWARD MOTION FOR THE NEXT 24 HOURS...THEN MOVE MORE WEST
NORTHWEST THROUGH THU OR FRI...GENERALLY PARALLEL TO THE TRAJECTORY
OF FABIAN. A SIMILAR WEAKNESS AT THE MIDDLE AND UPPER LEVELS THAT
ACTED TO TURN FABIAN IS EXPECTED TO EXIST NORTH OF THE LOCAL AREA
NEXT WEEKEND AS ISABEL APPROACHES THE LEEWARD ISLANDS...WHICH IS
EXPECTED TO TURN ISABEL MUCH IN THE SAME MANNER AS FABIAN...
NORTHWEST...THEN NORTH OF OUR AREA. HOWEVER...THE LAST FEW RUNS OF
THE GLOBAL MODELS HAVE GENERALLY TRENDED THE SHARP NW THEN N TURN
LATER AND LATER...OR SLIGHTLY FARTHER WEST...AND ISABEL MAY COME
NERVOUSLY CLOSE TO THE LEEWARD ISLANDS...AND POSSIBLY THE VIRGIN
ISLANDS. WE HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO OBSERVE ISABEL AS IT TAKES THE
NEXT 4-5 DAYS TO CROSS THE ATLANTIC AND APPROACH THE NE CARIBBEAN...
AND MODEL GUIDANCE WILL LIKELY SHIFT DURING THIS TIME. THE BEST
ESTIMATE FOR ARRIVAL TO THE LOCAL REGION WOULD BE VERY NEAR THE
NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS FRIDAY MORNING...AND ALONG THE LONGITUDE OF
THE VIRGIN ISLANDS SATURDAY.

SATELLITE PHOTOS THIS AFTERNOON...AT 18Z...SUGGESTED THE CENTER OF
ISABEL NEAR 13.6N 34.5W WITH OUTFLOW LOOKING GOOD ACROSS ALL BUT
MUCH OF THE EASTERN SEMI CIRCLE. DEEP CONVECTIVE CLUSTERS WEST AND
SOUTHWEST OF THE LOW LEVEL CIRCULATION CENTER CONTINUE TO WRAP INTO
THE CENTER FROM THE SOUTH...AND GRADUAL INTENSIFICATION IS EXPECTED.
DEEP WARM WATERS AWAIT ISABEL WEST OF 39 WEST...AND MORE SIGNIFICANT
DEEPENING MAY THEN OCCUR. INTERESTINGLY...PAST TWO RUNS OF GFDL HAVE
STARTED OFF WITH A MOTION S OF W...WHILE RECENT QUIKSCAT PASSES HAVE
SHOWN ISABELS MAIN CIRCULATION STILL EMBEDDED WITHIN MONSOONAL
TROUGHING EXTENDING WSW FROM THIS CENTER. THE LOW LEVEL CIRCULATION
MAY BE SHIFTING SLIGHTLY WSW ATTM AND ATTEMPTING TO ENTRAIN THE DEEP
CONVECTION IN THE SW QUAD. BASED ON THE LATEST FORECAST FROM
TPC...ENE LONG PERIOD SWELLS FROM ISABEL WOULD BEGIN TO AFFECT THE
REGIONAL WATERS FRIDAY. ALL INTEREST ACROSS THE NORTHEAST CARIBBEAN
SHOULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF ISABEL.

- Bermuda damage

From: Barbara Cannegieter <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2003 16:19:08 -0400

The Royal Gazette has updated their web site with  stories of the damage in
Bermuda
http://www.theroyalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage

- Fw: Emergency Alert System to be Tested at 9.00AM on Fr

From: Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2003 19:17:45 -0400

----- Original Message -----

From: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:heylrody AT sintmaarten.net">Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications

To: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:dherald AT sintmaarten.net">dherald AT sintmaarten.net ; AT thedailyherald.com href="mailto:editorial AT thedailyherald.com">editorial AT thedailyherald.com

Cc: AT saintmartintoday.com href="mailto:editor AT saintmartintoday.com">editor AT saintmartintoday.com ; AT yahoo.com href="mailto:todayeditorial AT yahoo.com">todayeditorial AT yahoo.com ; AT saintmartintoday.com href="mailto:today AT saintmartintoday.com">today AT saintmartintoday.com

Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2003 6:27 PM

Subject: Emergency Alert System to be Tested at 9.00AM on Fr

News Release

Written by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Government Information Service (GIS), Dept. Head Erno Labega, Ennia Bldg., Longwall Rd., Philipsburg, St. Maarten D.W.I. Tel. 00-599-543-1162, 542-4119, Fax: 543-1169; Email: gis AT sintmaarten.net; Website: www.sintmaarten.net/gis

For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 04, 2003

Emergency Alert System to be Tested at 9.00AM on Friday

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) - The Emergency Alert System (EAS) on FM 107.9 as part of the Island Government's Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness, is scheduled to be tested on Friday at 9.00AM.

Residents are advised to tune in to the following radio stations, FM 107.9, Laser 101, MIX FM 94.7, Oasis FM 96.3, Soualiga FM 99.9, PJD-2 FM 102.7 and SBN FM 105.5, to hear a pre-recorded message identifying that this is the EAS system being tested.

The emergency broadcast test is part of the Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness and the Government Information Service (GIS) Hurricane Awareness Week campaign.

The EAS is a new and improved Emergency Broadcast System. The aforementioned has been developed as a means to communicate with the island community in the event of a national emergency, Fire Commander and Coordinator of the Office of Disaster Management Winston Salomon, told the GIS.

The test coincides with the eighth anniversary of Hurricane Luis.

The EAS system is designed primarily as a public information and warning system in the event of a Hurricane strike, but can be used for other types of disasters.

The GIS as Emergency Support Function (ESF 8) of the disaster management system, is responsible for the operation of the government's national emergency broadcast system.

Disaster Coordinator Winston Salomon added that the hurricane season is not yet over and advised the public to continue to monitor weather reports in order to keep informed of weather systems that could affect the island.

Written by Roddy Heyliger
Government Information Service (GIS)

Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant

MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications

Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 599-5529397, 5564217

P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.

- Update

From: Barbara Cannegieter <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2003 14:30:19 -0400

to all the residents of the lovely island of Bermuda, I wish you safe passage of Fabian.

It is a terrible experience to go through one of these storms

Be careful and good luck!

we love your island

- Update

From: Barbara Cannegieter <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2003 18:21:54 -0400

seas have subsided

blue skies starting to appear again

here is a satellite picture taken this afternoon

awesome looking storm

the islands look like little ants in comparision

we are at
18.1 N, 63.1 W
those 2 little spots right on the outskirts of that storm ( above the text
"2 SEP") are Anguilla and St. Maarten

- Update

From: Barbara Cannegieter <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2003 11:31:10 -0400

all quiet on St. Maarten

blue skies with a few gray clouds here and there

but no rain

there's a gentle breeze blowing

but surf is up!

- Fw: SxmGIS - Advisory #1/3.45PM - Public Advised to continue monitoring the Track of Hurricane Fabian

From: Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
Date: Mon, 1 Sep 2003 19:33:13 -0400

----- Original Message -----

From: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:heylrody AT sintmaarten.net">Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications

To: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:dherald AT sintmaarten.net">dherald AT sintmaarten.net ; AT thedailyherald.com href="mailto:editorial AT thedailyherald.com">editorial AT thedailyherald.com

Cc: AT saintmartintoday.com href="mailto:editor AT saintmartintoday.com">editor AT saintmartintoday.com ; AT saintmartintoday.com href="mailto:today AT saintmartintoday.com">today AT saintmartintoday.com ; AT yahoo.com href="mailto:todayeditorial AT yahoo.com">todayeditorial AT yahoo.com

Sent: Monday, September 01, 2003 7:24 PM

Subject: SxmGIS - Advisory #1/3.45PM - Public Advised to continue monitoring the Track of Hurricane Fabian

News Release

For Immediate Release: Monday, September 01, 2003
EOC Advisory #1---3.45PM

Public Advised to continue monitoring the Track of Hurricane Fabian

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) - Chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards, is calling on the St. Maarten community to continue to be vigilant as Hurricane Fabian slowly approaches the islands in the Northeastern Caribbean.

The St. Maarten community should not let their guard down until Hurricane Fabian has cleared the area north and east of the islands. Hurricane Fabian is a very dangerous category four hurricane.

The St. Maarten community should be at a state of readiness from the beginning of the hurricane season to take any immediate action as ordered by the Chairman of the EOC Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards.

Every household and business should have hurricane shutters in good working condition; every household should have an adequate emergency supply of canned foods and batteries for radio and flashlights.

Sea conditions are expected to deteriorate throughout the day as Hurricane Fabian nears the northern islands. As conditions deteriorate, beach erosion is expected and homeowners of beachfront homes are being advised to monitor the situation.

The Lt. Governor chaired an EOC meeting on Monday morning to discuss the latest developments with respect to Hurricane Fabian.

Present at the meeting were the core group of the ESF, Meteorologist Ashford James, Disaster Management & Preparedness Office coordinator Winston Salomon, Head of Sector ROB Lionel Coombs, Chief of the Governor's Cabinet Ligia Stella, Chief Police Commissioner of Police Derrick Holiday, and a representative of the Office of Disaster Management Paul Martens.

The meeting was held also in light of the Hurricane Awareness Week.

Terms to know at this point in time are:
Tropical Storm Watch
A Tropical Storm Watch is issued when tropical storm conditions are possible within 24 to 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Warning
A Tropical Storm Warning is issued when there is a threat of tropical storm force winds within 24 hours.

Hurricane Watch
A weather watch issued for an area when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24 to 36 hours.

Hurricane Warning
A weather warning issued for an area when there is a threat of hurricane force winds within 24 hours or less.

The Emergency Disaster Management System comprising of 10 Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) are on standby monitoring the progress of Hurricane Fabian very closely.

Additional advisories may be issued during the course of Monday and Tuesday if warranted and therefore everyone is advised to continue to monitor radio broadcast.

# # #

Written by:
Roddy Heyliger
St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)

Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant

MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications

Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 599-5529397, 5564217

P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.

- Update

From: Barbara Cannegieter <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Mon, 1 Sep 2003 17:11:16 -0400

AT 5 PM AST...2100Z...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE FABIAN WAS LOCATED
NEAR LATITUDE 19.1 NORTH... LONGITUDE 57.8 WEST OR ABOUT 275
MILES...445 KM...EAST-NORTHEAST OF BARBUDA IN THE NORTHERN LEEWARD
ISLANDS.

FABIAN IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST-NORTHWEST NEAR 12 MPH
...19 KM/HR...AND THIS MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR THE NEXT
24 HOURS.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 145 MPH...230 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS. FLUCTUATIONS IN STRENGTH ARE COMMON WITH MAJOR HURRICANES
AND COULD OCCUR OVER THE NEXT 24 HOURS.

HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 50 MILES... 85 KM...
FROM THE CENTER...AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP
TO 140 MILES...220 KM.

ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 942 MB...27.82 INCHES.

LARGE SWELLS AND DANGEROUS SURF CONDICTIONS WILL BE AFFECTING THE
NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS...THE VIRGIN ISLANDS...AND PUERTO
RICO...OVER THE NEXT DAY OR TWO.

I think most of the worrying is over. Looks like Fabian will just give us some high seas.

I'm breathing a sigh or releif and maybe I can sleep well tonight.

- Fw: SxmGIS - Week Long Hurricane Awareness Campaign Starts Monday

From: Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
Date: Sun, 31 Aug 2003 19:05:04 -0400

----- Original Message -----

From: AT megatropic.com href="mailto:roddyheyliger AT megatropic.com">Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications

To: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:dherald AT sintmaarten.net">dherald AT sintmaarten.net ; AT thedailyherald.com href="mailto:editorial AT thedailyherald.com">editorial AT thedailyherald.com

Sent: Sunday, August 31, 2003 6:25 PM

Subject: SxmGIS - Week Long Hurricane Awareness Campaign Starts Monday

News Release

Written by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Government Information Service (GIS), Dept. Head Erno Labega, Ennia Bldg., Longwall Rd., Philipsburg, St. Maarten D.W.I. Tel. 00-599-543-1162, 542-4119, Fax: 543-1169; Email: gis AT sintmaarten.net; Website: www.sintmaarten.net/gis

For Immediate Release: Sunday, August 31, 2003

Week Long Hurricane Awareness Campaign Starts Monday

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) - The Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness in collaboration with the Government Information Service (GIS), is organizing a weeklong hurricane awareness campaign starting on Monday, September 1.

Meteorologist Ashford James will be the guest on Radio Soualiga 99.9FM with host Eddy Williams at 8.30AM on Monday. James will discuss the latest developments with Hurricane Fabian, which has been classified as a dangerous hurricane as well as the expectations for the rest of the season.

The Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness is appealing to the community to continue to monitor the progress of Hurricane Fabian throughout Monday and Tuesday. As of Sunday 5.00PM, the National Hurricane Center upgraded Fabian to a category four hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane intensity scale of one to five.

On Tuesday, representatives from the Emergency Support Function 7 (ESF-7) Sector Welfare will provide information about the location of hurricane shelters along with what type of preparations a person should make if they are going to make use of the emergency shelter facilities throughout the different community districts.

ESF-7 representatives will be the guest on the Lloyd Richardson Show entitled Viewpoint at 12.00PM PJD-2 Radio, 102.7 FM.

The awareness campaign from Wednesday to Friday will be made known on Tuesday.

# # #

Written by:
Roddy Heyliger
St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)

Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant

MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications

Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 599-5529397, 5564217

P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.

- Update

From: Barbara Cannegieter <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Sun, 31 Aug 2003 17:03:38 -0400

This storm is getting too close for comfort.
when is it going to turn north as all the forecasts say?
they ( the professionals) better be right.

- Update

From: Barbara Cannegieter <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Sat, 30 Aug 2003 11:14:44 -0400

YES! It's looking better all the time that Fabian will miss the Northern islands.

Keep going WNW, Fabian

meanwhile it's another beautiful day in St. Maarten

- Fw: SxmGIS - Disaster Management Office Calls on Community to Monitor Closely the Progress of Tropical Storm Fabian

From: Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 2003 17:00:25 -0400

----- Original Message -----

From: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:heylrody AT sintmaarten.net">Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications

To: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:dherald AT sintmaarten.net">dherald AT sintmaarten.net ; AT thedailyherald.com href="mailto:editorial AT thedailyherald.com">editorial AT thedailyherald.com

Sent: Friday, August 29, 2003 5:00 PM

Subject: SxmGIS - Disaster Management Office Calls on Community to Monitor Closely the Progress of Tropical Storm Fabian

News Release

For Immediate Release: Friday, August 29, 2003

Disaster Management Office Calls on Community to Monitor Closely the Progress of Tropical Storm Fabian

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) - The sixth Tropical Storm for the 2003 hurricane season has formed, and the Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness is calling on the island community to closely monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Fabian over the weekend as it approaches the island chain of the Eastern Caribbean.

Tropical Storm Fabian has the potential to develop into a Hurricane during the next day or two.

The 10 Emergency Support Functions (ESF) of the Island Government Disaster Management System as of Friday morning have been alerted about the progress of Tropical Storm Fabian and have been advised to monitor the progress of the system.

The St. Maarten community should have reached an advanced stage of hurricane preparedness since the beginning of the hurricane season.

The Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness would like to issue the following general tips with respect to hurricane preparedness:

1. Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed around your home.
2. Make sure that storm shutters are in working order. If you don't have shutters, have plywood coverings properly numbered to cover windows and doors.
3. Make sure hurricane supplies are up to par.
4. Check the working condition of all emergency equipment such as generators, flashlights, battery-powered radios, etc.
5. Identify a safe room in your home that you could use as a shelter.

# # #

Written by:
Roddy Heyliger
St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)

Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant

MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications

Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 599-5529397, 5564217

P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.

- Fw: SxmGIS - Disaster Coordinator Winston Salomon Welcomes Five-Day Hurricane Forecasts

From: "Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications" <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2003 08:34:01 -0400

----- Original Message -----

From: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:heylrody AT sintmaarten.net">Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications

To: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:dherald AT sintmaarten.net">dherald AT sintmaarten.net ; AT thedailyherald.com href="mailto:editorial AT thedailyherald.com">editorial AT thedailyherald.com

Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2003 7:17 PM

Subject: SxmGIS - Disaster Coordinator Winston Salomon Welcomes Five-Day Hurricane Forecasts

News Release

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, August 26, 2003

Disaster Coordinator Winston Salomon Welcomes Five-Day Hurricane Forecasts

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) - Disaster Management Coordinator Winston Salomon welcomes the issuing of five-day hurricane forecasts as of the 2003 Hurricane Season by the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

"The issuing of timely and accurate hurricane forecasts, watches and warnings for St. Maarten is the responsibility of the Meteorological Service of the Netherlands Antilles.

"The Meteo Service on St. Maarten Headed by Ashford James receives reports from the NHC. This information is passed on by James to the Island Government's Disaster Emergency Response System.

"The five-day forecast provides valuable planning and preparedness tool toward our efforts to protect lives and property. We are able to plan more effectively with respect to what actions would be taken by our Emergency Support Functions (ESF)," Disaster Management Coordinator Salomon told the Government Information Service (GIS).
The process to extend forecasts was started back in 1999. A number of experiments were carried out during the 2001 and 2002 Atlantic and Eastern and Central North Pacific hurricane seasons to test this capability.

The latest August forecast, calls for an above-normal Atlantic Hurricane Season with a total of between 12-15 tropical storms, seven to nine becoming hurricanes, and three to four becoming major hurricanes category three or higher. So far for the season, five named storms have developed, Ana, Bill, Claudette, Danny and Erika.

The other named storms for Hurricane Season 2003 are: Fabian, Grace, Henri, Isabel, Juan, Kate, Larry, Mindy, Nicholas, Odette, Peter, Rose, Sam, Teresa, Victor, and Wanda.

# # #

Written by:
Roddy Heyliger
St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)

Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant

MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications

Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 599-5529397, 5564217

P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.

- Fw: SxmGIS - Height of Hurricane Season Approaching, Disaster Management Coordinator Calls on Community to be Prepared

From: "Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications" <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2003 08:49:44 -0400

----- Original Message -----

From: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:heylrody AT sintmaarten.net">Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications

To: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:dherald AT sintmaarten.net">dherald AT sintmaarten.net ; AT thedailyherald.com href="mailto:editorial AT thedailyherald.com">editorial AT thedailyherald.com

Sent: Sunday, August 24, 2003 6:22 PM

Subject: SxmGIS - Height of Hurricane Season Approaching, Disaster Management Coordinator Calls on Community to be Prepared

News Release

For Immediate Release: Sunday, August 24, 2003

Height of Hurricane Season Approaching, Disaster Management Coordinator Calls on Community to be Prepared

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) - Half of the hurricane season has almost gone with five storms to date two of which were classified as hurricanes, however Disaster Management Coordinator Winston Salomon is calling on the island community to be prepared as the islands of the Eastern Caribbean region including St. Maarten approaches the height of the hurricane season which is mid-September.

"The probability of a hurricane strike in the Eastern Caribbean region between now and mid-September has been increasing as each week passes. Therefore, residents are advised to make sure that they have completed hurricane preparations and secondly, to monitor weather reports for any possible storm development during the next two-months.

"For the period after mid-September, the probability of a hurricane strike slowly diminishes up until October 24. After that date, the possibility of hurricane activity diminishes up until the end of the six-month season, November 30," Disaster Management Coordinator Salomon told the Government Information Service (GIS).

Forecasters from the U.S. National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Hurricane Center (NHC) in their latest forecast of early August, still predict an above-normal Atlantic Hurricane Season, and now call for a total of between 12-15 tropical storms, with seven to nine becoming hurricanes, and three to four becoming major hurricanes category three or higher.

Since May, NOAA scientists have observed atmospheric conditions becoming increasingly favorable for an above-normal hurricane season.

Gerry Bell, Head of NOAA's seasonal hurricane prediction team says that many of the hurricanes this season will develop over the tropical Atlantic east of the islands and move westward as they strengthen.

Max Mayfield, NOAA National Hurricane Center Director, stated that the seasonal forecast implies we must be prepared for much more activity including some major hurricanes.

Salomon added that the Eastern Caribbean islands would now see an increase in the formation of Tropical Waves moving towards the islands, and therefore it required residents to keep themselves informed.

Tropical Waves that develop become Tropical Depressions and then a named Tropical Storm.

The other named storms for Hurricane Season 2003 are: Fabian, Grace, Henri, Isabel, Juan, Kate, Larry, Mindy, Nicholas, Odette, Peter, Rose, Sam, Teresa, Victor, and Wanda.

# # #

Written by:
Roddy Heyliger
St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)

Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant

MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications

Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 599-5529397, 5564217

P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.

- Update

From: Barbara Cannegieter <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2003 11:30:36 -0400

no rain in St. Maarten yesterday or today so far

all quiet

yesterday we had several cruise ships in

radisson cargo 2.JPG

- Beautiful Sunny Weather on the Friendly Island

From: "Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications" <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
Date: Mon, 18 Aug 2003 23:23:21 -0400

The past days have been very warm and sunny.

This evening we have been experiencing some welcome showers of rain to cool down the place.

Roddy Heyliger

MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications

Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net

P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.

- Update

From: Barbara Cannegieter <barcann AT megatropic.com>
Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2003 19:23:55 -0400

It has been a cloudy day in St. Maarten. a few showers but nothing to speak of.

I found this beautiful flower blooming last night from one of my cactuses

(hope this shows up in my post. I never tried graphics before)

P1010006.JPG

- Rain showers

From: "Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications" <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
Date: Tue, 5 Aug 2003 16:33:25 -0400

That's an impressive tropical wave east of the islands.

We have been receiving some nice scattered showers of rain since lunch time.

It seems this may be the fringes of the system.

Roddy

- Cloudy, Cool & Nice Showers of Rain

From: "Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications" <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
Date: Tue, 22 Jul 2003 10:57:31 -0400

On Monday morning we started to receive some weather from the Tropical Wave. During the afternoon and evening, rain showers moved in along with short burst of gusty winds. The rain was very much welcomed as the island has been very dry for several weeks. To all prospective visitors, the "Friendly Island," awaits you.

Warm Regards,

Roddy

Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant

MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications

Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 599-5564217
Fax 599-544-3064

P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.

- Fw: SxmGIS - General Public Advised to Monitor Progress of Tropical Depression #6 Nearing Lesser Antilles Island Chain

From: "Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications" <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2003 20:09:07 -0400

----- Original Message -----

From: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:heylrody AT sintmaarten.net">Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications

To: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:dherald AT sintmaarten.net">dherald AT sintmaarten.net ; AT thedailyherald.com href="mailto:editorial AT thedailyherald.com">editorial AT thedailyherald.com

Sent: Sunday, July 20, 2003 7:58 PM

Subject: SxmGIS - General Public Advised to Monitor Progress of Tropical Depression #6 Nearing Lesser Antilles Island Chain

News Release

For Immediate Release: Sunday, July 20, 2003
EOC Advisory Tropical Depression #6: 8.00PM

General Public Advised to Monitor Progress of Tropical Depression #6 Nearing Lesser Antilles Island Chain

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) � Chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Acting Lt. Governor Mathias Voges, is advising all residents to monitor weather reports during the next 48-hours in respect to Tropical Depression #6 nearing the Lesser Antilles Island chain.

The Meteorological Service of the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba in collaboration with the Office of Disaster Management reports that Tropical Depression #6 is forecast to obtain Tropical Storm strength in the next 12-24 hours.

The preliminary forecast and outlook for Sunday has the weather system passing south of our local area on Tuesday. Therefore, Tropical Storm conditions may affect our area on Tuesday and residents are advised to monitor weather reports and advisories.

Some terms to know are:

Tropical Depression
A circulation at the surface in the tropics with a highest constant wind speed of 38 miles per hour (33 knots) or less. A tropical depression is watched for possible development into a tropical storm. A tropical storm is a distinct circulation with a wind speed of 39 to 74 miles per hour (34 to 63 knots).

Tropical Storm Watch
A Tropical Storm Watch is issued when tropical storm conditions are possible within 24 to 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Warning
A Tropical Storm Warning is issued when there is a threat of tropical storm force winds within 24 hours.

Acting Lt. Governor Mathias Voges on Sunday afternoon activated the Emergency Disaster Management System, which places the various Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) on standby to monitor in this case the developing weather situation.

# # #

Written by:
Roddy Heyliger
St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)

Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant

MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications

Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 599-5564217
Fax 599-544-3064

P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.

- Fw: SxmGIS - 13 National Hurricane Shelters Available to Accommodate 2200 Persons for 2003 Hurricane Season

From: "Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications" <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2003 18:45:38 -0400

----- Original Message -----

From: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:heylrody AT sintmaarten.net">Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications

To: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:dherald AT sintmaarten.net">dherald AT sintmaarten.net ; AT thedailyherald.com href="mailto:editorial AT thedailyherald.com">editorial AT thedailyherald.com

Sent: Sunday, July 20, 2003 6:44 PM

Subject: SxmGIS - 13 National Hurricane Shelters Available to Accommodate 2200 Persons for 2003 Hurricane Season

News Release

Prepared by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Government Information Service (GIS), Dept. Head Erno Labega, Ennia Bldg., Longwall Rd., Philipsburg, St. Maarten D.W.I. Tel. 00-599-543-1162, 542-4119, Fax: 543-1169; Email: gis AT sintmaarten.net; Website: www.sintmaarten.net/gis

For Immediate Release: Sunday, July 20, 2002

13 National Hurricane Shelters Available to Accommodate 2200 Persons for 2003 Hurricane Season

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) � Recently Sector Welfare which is Emergency Support Function 7 (ESF-7), made available the names of 13 national hurricane shelters for the 2003 hurricane season.

The shelters will be opened to the public 24-hours prior to a hurricane strike. The 13 shelters will also be clearly marked with a sign designating as an official emergency hurricane shelter.

Persons who feel their homes are not adequate enough to withstand a hurricane can make use of one of the 13 shelters throughout the South side of the island. More than one shelter will be available in certain districts.

Fire Commander and Disaster Management Coordinator Winston Salomon, told the Government Information Service (GIS) that shelters should be used as a last option, and is encouraging residents to make sure their homes are hurricane-ready and that every home has a hurricane disaster preparedness kit.

Once it has been determined that persons have become homeless after the passing of a hurricane, one of the 13 shelters will be designated as a central shelter for the homeless.

The island�s disaster management system comprises of 10 Emergency Support Functions (ESF). Each ESF has a specific role to play during the event of an emergency.

The general public is advised to listen to their radio and TV station weather reports with emphasis on the Caribbean in order to keep abreast of any possible storm/hurricane threats.

2003 Hurricane Shelter Listing

Simpson Bay/Cole Bay Area
1. Simpson Bay Social Cultural Recreational Foundation Building (Behind the Regina & Butterfly Schools)
2. Leonard Conner School (Cay Bay)
3. Praise Tabernacle Church (Wrigley Street, Cole Bay)
4. Salvation Army Building (Union Road, Cole Bay)
5. Seventh Day Adventists Church (Cole Bay)

Cay Hill Area
6. Raoul Illidge Sports Complex (Welgelegen Road, Cay Hill, road leading to the Hospital)

St. Peters/South Reward/Cul de Sac Area
7. Hillside Christian School (St. Peters)
8. Milton Peters College (Reward Road)
9. Senior Citizen�s Recreation Center (Hope Estate)

Dutch Quarter/Middle Region Area
10. Dutch Quarter Community Center (Zorg en Rust)
11. Zr. Marie Laurence School (Middle Region Road)

Philipsburg Area
12. New Testament Baptist Church (C.A. Cannegieter Str. #35-A, across the Clem Labega Square next to Kentucky Fried Chicken)

Pointe Blanche Area
13. Rama Hotel Apartments (Ground Dove Road #25)

BE PREPARED � Have a Place to Go

Develop a family hurricane preparedness plan before an actual storm threatens your area. If your family hurricane preparedness plan includes evacuation to a safer location, then it is important to consider the following points:

First of all, find out where the designated national hurricane shelter is located nearest you. You should know this before the threat of a hurricane. For this information, you can call the Office of Disaster Management at 542-1215.

If you feel unsafe in your home, know exactly which route you will take to travel to the shelter.

Remember, shelters are not designed for comfort. Bring your Disaster Supply Kit with you to the shelter.

Pets are not allowed in the shelter. Make arrangements before hand to secure your pet. You can check with the Animal Welfare Organization or a Veterinary Office for tips and suggestions.

Bring along medication that you use.

Important documents should be secured in a waterproof container. These documents would include passport, insurance papers, medical papers etc.

Bring some bottled water, clothing, special items for babies and the elderly, toiletries, moisture wipes.

###

Information provided by the Office of Disaster Management and the Government Information Service (GIS)

Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant

MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications

Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 599-5564217
Fax 599-544-3064

P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.

- Fw: SxmGIS - Hurricane Mobility Passes Now Available to be Collected

From: "Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications" <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2003 17:55:43 -0400

----- Original Message -----

From: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:heylrody AT sintmaarten.net">Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications

To: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:dherald AT sintmaarten.net">dherald AT sintmaarten.net ; AT thedailyherald.com href="mailto:editorial AT thedailyherald.com">editorial AT thedailyherald.com

Sent: Sunday, July 20, 2003 5:45 PM

Subject: SxmGIS - Hurricane Mobility Passes Now Available to be Collected

News Release

For Immediate Release: Sunday, July 20, 2003

Hurricane Mobility Passes Now Available to be Collected

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) � Those who have applied for a Hurricane Mobility Pass for the 2003 Hurricane Season are hereby informed that as of Monday, July 21 they are available to be collected at the Office of Disaster Management on Backstreet #56.

The application process started on May 12 for a one-month period. Overall, more than 500 requests were submitted and the majority were approved.

The hurricane mobility pass system was introduced several years ago as a measure to maintain public order during emergencies.

The Lt. Governor assesses the damage after a disaster has occurred and can impose a curfew if the situation poses a threat to the safety of the community.

After a disaster has struck, and a curfew has been imposed, the public roads can only be accessed by emergency crews. Persons who have businesses require an emergency mobility pass to travel to their business and back home at stipulated hours during a curfew.

# # #

Roddy Heyliger
Government Information Service (GIS)
St. Maarten D.W.I.

Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant

MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications

Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 599-5564217
Fax 599-544-3064

P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.

- Fw: SxmGIS - All Residents Asked to Cooperate in Island-wide Clean-up Campaign: Operation District Clean Sweep

From: "Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications" <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2003 14:47:34 -0400

----- Original Message -----

From: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:heylrody AT sintmaarten.net">Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications

To: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:dherald AT sintmaarten.net">dherald AT sintmaarten.net ; AT thedailyherald.com href="mailto:editorial AT thedailyherald.com">editorial AT thedailyherald.com

Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2003 4:57 PM

Subject: SxmGIS - All Residents Asked to Cooperate in Island-wide Clean-up Campaign: Operation District Clean Sweep

News Release

Written by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Government Information Service of St. Maarten, Dept. Head Erno Labega, Ennia Bldg., Longwall Rd., Philipsburg, St. Maarten D.W.I. Tel. 00-599-543-1162, 542-4119, Fax: 543-1169; Email: gis AT sintmaarten.net; Website: www.sintmaarten.net/gis

For Immediate Release: Thursday, July 17, 2003

All Residents Asked to Cooperate in Island-wide Clean-up Campaign: Operation District Clean Sweep

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) � The Island Government is appealing to all communities including the Spanish and Haitian communities on the island to start preparing for the island-wide clean-up campaign that will start on Saturday July 26, 2003.

The Island Government conducts an annual clean-up campaign of the South side of the island during the summer months in preparation for the hurricane season.

Sector Director of Environmental Development & Property Management (ROB) Lionel Coombs, told the Government Information Service (GIS) that residents are being advised to start taking note of what small and heavy debris they would like to get rid of.

�This clean-up campaign is different compared to the ones carried out in previous years. Residents are being advised to take their debris to certain �central waste collection points� in their districts where it will then be collected by waste disposal trucks and dumped at the landfill on the Pondfill,� Sector Director Lionel Coombs said on Wednesday.

The first district areas selected for clean up on the weekend of July 26 & 27 (Saturday and Sunday) is the Cole Bay Basin Area.

The Cole Bay Basin Area includes the following community districts: Cole Bay, Cay Bay, Pelican, Simpson Bay, and Beacon Hill.

Residents are advised to place their small and heavy debris at the following �central waste collection points:�

> Entrance Mahogany Tree Drive
> Old Car Wash Fahrenheit Street
> Dr. Tjon Sie Fat Road behind the Drugstore
> Willow Tree Road Well Road
> Gum Tree Road Well Road
> Waterfront Road next to Commissioner L. Laveist Home??
> Across from the Grove Residence, Pelican
> Behind the Regina School, Simpson Bay
> Entrance to Beacon Hill
> The opposite road to the Cay Bay Cemetery
> Aron Jacobs Drive by the Garbage Bin

In the case of car wrecks in the Cole Bay Basin Area, the community is being asked to call Sector ROB at telephone number 542-4289. The caller must provide the following information: the colour of the vehicle, type of car/truck and the address where it is located.

The second district area selected for clean up on the weekend of August 02 & 03 (Saturday and Sunday) is the Cul De Sac Area.

Residents are advised to place their small and heavy debris at the following �central waste collection points:�

> Entrance Welgelegen Road
> Intersection Puma Road and Jaguar Road by the Garbage Bins
> Otter Road Belair by the Garbage Bins
> Next to the former Cake House
> In front of the Ebenezer Shopping Center
> Reward Road across from the Church
> Entrance to Waymouth Hill intersection Lemond Road and Sour Sap Road
> Watermelon Road next to the Garage
> St. Peters Road next to the Ball Court
> Intersection Grape Fruit Road and Retreat Estate Road
> Entrance to the St. John�s Estate
> Entrance to Butter Cup Road
> Across J. Cooper Ball Park
> Roses Road across from Cake House
> Intersection Corolita Road and Amaryllis Road
> Next to the Zagers Gut Bridge

The third district area selected for clean up on the weekend of August 09 & 10 (Saturday and Sunday) is the Philipsburg Area.

Residents are advised to place their small and heavy debris at the following �central waste collection points:�

> Long Wall Road opposite Radio Shack
> Cannegieter Road next to Xerox
> Juancho Yrausquin Blvd in front of Caribbean Liquors & Tobacco
> Goldfinch Road #18 next to the Garbage Bins
> Intersection Pelican Road and Laughing Bird Road
> Guana Bay Road entrance
> Sucker Garden Road next to the GEBE warehouse
> Arch Road in front of Tran Kilo Bar
> Arch Road near the Zoo

The fourth district area selected for clean up on the weekend of August 16 & 17 (Saturday and Sunday) is the Upper & Lower Princes Area.

Residents are advised to place their small and heavy debris at the following �central waste collection points:�

> The Keys Road entrance to the Emergency Homes
> Sucker Garden next to the original Pentecostal Church Spring Garden Drive
> Oyster Pond Road next to Defiance Hotel
> Entrance Trumpet Shell Road Dawn Beach Estate
> Entrance Cherry Hill Estate
> Behind Middle Region School
> Entrance Brown�s Drive
> Entrance Gumbs Drive
> Mount William Hill Drive
> Zorg en Rust Road entrance to the School in Dutch Quarter by the well in front of Richardson�s Drive
> Entrance Nick Spring Drive
> Upper entrance Emergency Homes Nazareth
> Garbage Bin J.D. Meyers Road
> Belvedere Round about
> Illidge Road by the Magic Barber Shop

Coombs is also appealing to social and civic organizations to assists their communities with the clean-up effort.

# # #

Compiled by Roddy Heyliger
Communications (GIS)
St. Maarten, Dutch West Indies

Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant

MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications

Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 599-5564217
Fax 599-544-3064

P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.

- =?Windows-1252?Q?Fw:_SxmGIS_-_Advisory_#5_Montserrat_Volcanic_Eruption_?==?Windows-1252?Q?=96_Expectations_for_Sunday_Evening_and_Monday?=

From: "Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications" <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
Date: Sun, 13 Jul 2003 20:46:48 -0400

----- Original Message -----

From: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:heylrody AT sintmaarten.net">Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications

To: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:dherald AT sintmaarten.net">dherald AT sintmaarten.net ; AT thedailyherald.com href="mailto:editorial AT thedailyherald.com">editorial AT thedailyherald.com

Sent: Sunday, July 13, 2003 8:41 PM

Subject: SxmGIS - Advisory #5 Montserrat Volcanic Eruption � Expectations for Sunday Evening and Monday

News Release

Advisory #5
Montserrat Volcanic Eruption � Expectations for Sunday Evening and Monday

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) � The Office of Emergency Disaster Management continues to monitor developments related to the Saturday evening and Sunday morning volcanic eruptions in Montserrat.

Based on the latest available information from the Meteorological Service of the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba early Sunday evening, following the major eruption of 9.15AM on Sunday morning, a volcanic plume developed which later split into two sections.

One of the plumes is heading in the direction of St. Croix while the other one is moving north. According to the Meteorological Service, due to current wind directions, the island will not experience further ash fall, however one cannot exclude further volcanic activity during the course of Sunday night and Monday. Another factor is the wind direction that determines whether we would experience an ash fall event.

Residents are advised to monitor the situation by listening to radio and TV news broadcast during the coming days. Monday is a regular work day and the voluntary stay-indoors advisory has been discontinued.
Although ash is not highly toxic, it can trouble infants, the elderly and those with respiratory ailments. Small ash particles can abrade the front of the eye under windy and ashy conditions.
When cleaning away ash particles, use dust masks and eye protection. If you don't have a dust mask, use a wet handkerchief. Stay indoors to minimize exposure -- especially if you have respiratory ailments.
Wet ash can be slippery. Use caution when climbing on ladders and roofs. Remove as much ash as you can from frequently used areas. Clean from the top down. Wear a dust mask or a wet handkerchief if you don�t have a dust mask.
Prior to sweeping, dampen ash to ease removal. Be careful to not wash ash into drainpipes, sewers, storm drains, etc.

Emergency Support Function 10, based on information received from the Princess Juliana International Airport, airlines will assess the situation early Monday morning to determine air traffic activity.

Cruise vessel visits to the island are expected to continue as scheduled for Tuesday and the rest of the week. Should the situation change, all concerned will be notified.

The eruptions over the weekend at the Soufriere Hills, Montserrat, were described as major. There was a major collapse of a significant portion of the dome. There were no casualties reported, but some damage to structures where the roofs caved in due to the weight of the ash.

The collapse of the dome in Montserrat was expected for some time. Because of this, our island has experienced the fallout of this volcanic activity and the nation�s Emergency Disaster Management System was activated Sunday morning to make the community aware of the situation and at the same time to provide valuable information on what to do after residents were confronted with volcanic ash Sunday morning.

Chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards is very pleased with the performance on Sunday of the various entities that fall under the emergency disaster management system.

Lt. Governor Richards would also like to thank the public for their attention given to this situation and the way they conducted themselves.

Additional advisories will be issued if warranted by the Office of Emergency Disaster Management.

# # #

Written by Roddy Heyliger
Government Information Service (GIS)

Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant

MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications

Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 599-5564217
Fax 599-544-3064

P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.

- =?Windows-1252?Q?Fw:_SxmGIS_-_Advisory_#4_Montserrat_Volcanic_Eruption_?==?Windows-1252?Q?=96_St._Maarten_Airline_Update:_All_Flights_Cancelled?=

From: "Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications" <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
Date: Sun, 13 Jul 2003 17:00:40 -0400

----- Original Message -----

From: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:heylrody AT sintmaarten.net">Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications

To: AT yahoogroups.com href="mailto:newsline1 AT yahoogroups.com">newsline1 AT yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, July 13, 2003 4:48 PM

Subject: SxmGIS - Advisory #4 Montserrat Volcanic Eruption � St. Maarten Airline Update: All Flights Cancelled

News Release

Advisory #4
Montserrat Volcanic Eruption � St. Maarten Airline Update: All Flights Cancelled

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) � The Office of Emergency Disaster Management continues to monitor developments related to the Saturday evening major volcanic eruption in Montserrat. On Sunday morning at 9.15AM another major eruption took place.

Here is the latest update from the Emergency Support Function 10, the Princess Juliana International Airport regarding the status of international and regional flights for Sunday July 13:

Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA)

The PJIA Airport was open on Sunday; however, as of mid-afternoon all airlines operating out of the Princess Juliana International Airport have canceled their flights for Sunday, July 13. Airlines will review and evaluate the situation on Monday July 14.

These airlines are:
a) American Eagle
b) Winair
c) Liat
d) Caribbean Sun
e) Caribbean Star
f) DCA
g) Continental
h) American Airlines
i) Air France
j) US Air
k) Corsair

Additional advisories will be issued if warranted by the Office of Emergency Disaster Management.

# # #

Written by Roddy Heyliger
Government Information Service (GIS)

Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant

MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications

Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 599-5564217
Fax 599-544-3064

P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.

- Fw: SxmGIS - Advisory #3 Montserrat Volcanic Eruption - St. Maarten Airline Update

From: "Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications" <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
Date: Sun, 13 Jul 2003 14:45:00 -0400

----- Original Message -----

From: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:heylrody AT sintmaarten.net">Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications

To: AT yahoogroups.com href="mailto:newsline1 AT yahoogroups.com">newsline1 AT yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, July 13, 2003 2:29 PM

Subject: SxmGIS - Advisory #3 Montserrat Volcanic Eruption - St. Maarten Airline Update

News Release

Advisory #3
Montserrat Volcanic Eruption - St. Maarten Airline Update

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) � The Office of Emergency Disaster Management continues to monitor developments in Montserrat.

Here is an update from the Emergency Support Function 10, the Princess Juliana International Airport regarding the status of international and regional flights for Sunday July 13:

Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA)

The PJIA Airport is open; however, the majority of airlines operating out of the airport have suspended their operations until further notice. These airlines are:
a) American Eagle
b) Winair
c) Liat
d) Caribbean Sun
e) Caribbean Star
f) DCA (just has been added to suspended until further notice)

Airlines that have cancelled their flights for today Sunday, July 13 are:
a) Continental
b) American Airlines
c) Air France (just has been added to cancelled flights)
d) US Air (just has been added to cancelled flights)
e) Corsair (just has been added to cancelled flights)

Other airlines not mentioned here are still evaluating the situation and will inform the airport authority accordingly. Travelers are advised to contact their own airline for further information.

Additional advisories will be issued if warranted by the Office of Emergency Disaster Management.

# # #

Written by Roddy Heyliger
Government Information Service (GIS)

Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant

MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications

Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 599-5564217
Fax 599-544-3064

P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.

- Fw: SxmGIS - Advisory #2 Montserrat Volcanic Eruption

From: "Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications" <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
Date: Sun, 13 Jul 2003 12:49:49 -0400

----- Original Message -----

From: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:heylrody AT sintmaarten.net">Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications

To: AT yahoogroups.com href="mailto:newsline1 AT yahoogroups.com">newsline1 AT yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, July 13, 2003 11:55 AM

Subject: SxmGIS - Advisory #2 Montserrat Volcanic Eruption

News Release

Advisory #2
Montserrat Volcanic Eruption

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) � The Office of Emergency Disaster Management continues to monitor developments very closely in Montserrat. Reports coming in from the Emergency Support Functions 10 which includes the Princess Juliana International Airport and the Dr. Claude Wathey Cargo & Cruise Facility are as follows:

Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA)

Airlines that have cancelled their flights for today Sunday, July 13 are:
a) Continental
b) American Airlines

Other airlines not mentioned here are still evaluating the situation and will inform the airport authority accordingly. Travelers are advised to contact their own airline for further information.

Dr. Claude Wathey Cargo & Cruise Facility

A small cruise vessel Radisson Diamond made an unscheduled stop at the Dr. Claude Wathey Cargo & Cruise Facility on Sunday morning. The Captain of the vessel noticed ash particles started to accumulate on his vessel, and after evaluating the situation, decided in the interests of his passengers to forego docking procedures and the vessel left the port. The Radisson Diamond was already in port on Friday. The next cruise vessels to call on St. Maarten are scheduled for Tuesday.

Chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards, on behalf of the people and Government of St. Maarten sympathizes with the people and Government of Montserrat during this trying time and offers our prayers.

The Office of Emergency Disaster Management is attempting to locate an information number for the authorities in Montserrat where fellow Montserratians residing on St. Maarten can call for further information regarding the situation in Montserrat.

Reiterating some general precautionary measures to follow based on the first advisory issued earlier today:

Residents are advised to stay indoors today.
Although ash is not highly toxic, it can trouble infants, the elderly and those with respiratory ailments. Small ash particles can abrade the front of the eye under windy and ashy conditions.
* When cleaning away ash particles, use dust masks and eye protection. If you don't have a dust mask, use a wet handkerchief.
* Stay indoors to minimize exposure -- especially if you have respiratory ailments.
* Keep children indoors; discourage active play in dusty settings.
* Keep pets indoors. If pets go out, brush or vacuum them before letting them indoors.
* Make sure livestock have clean food and water.
* Wet ash can be slippery. Use caution when climbing on ladders and roofs.
* Remove as much ash as you can from frequently used areas. Clean from the top down. Wear a dust mask or a wet hankerchief if you don�t have a dust mask.
* Prior to sweeping, dampen ash to ease removal. Be careful to not wash ash into drainpipes, sewers, storm drains, etc.
Additional advisories will be issued if warranted by the Office of Emergency Disaster Management.

# # #

Written by Roddy Heyliger
Government Information Service (GIS)

Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant

MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications

Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 599-5564217
Fax 599-544-3064

P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.

- Fw: SxmGIS - Advisory #1 Montserrat Volcanic Eruption

From: "Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications" <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
Date: Sun, 13 Jul 2003 12:49:39 -0400

----- Original Message -----

From: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:heylrody AT sintmaarten.net">Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications

To: AT yahoogroups.com href="mailto:newsline1 AT yahoogroups.com">newsline1 AT yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, July 13, 2003 11:37 AM

Subject: SxmGIS - Advisory #1 Montserrat Volcanic Eruption

News Release

Advisory #1
Montserrat Volcanic Eruption

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) � Around 10.30PM on Saturday evening the Montserrat Volcano erupted causing a large volcanic cloud to drift towards the islands, the Office of Emergency Disaster Management was informed.

Residents are advised to stay indoors today.

General precautionary measures are as follows:

Airborne ash can obscure sunlight to cause temporary darkness and reduce visibility to zero, however this is not the case in St. Maarten. Today conditions will remain grey and conditions should improve over time.

Ashfall can be accompanied by lightning.

Ash is slippery, especially when wet; roads, and airport runways. Automobile engines may stall from ash-clogged air filters and moving parts can be damaged from abrasion, including bearings, brakes, and transmissions during heavy ashfall.

Although ash is not highly toxic, it can trouble infants, the elderly and those with respiratory ailments. Small ash
particles can abrade the front of the eye under windy and ashy conditions.
Ash abrades and jams machinery. It contaminates and clogs ventilation, water supplies and drains. Ash also causes electrical short circuits -- in transmission lines (especially when wet), in computers, and in microelectronic devices. This is under heavy ashfall conditions.
Power often goes out during and after conditions of heavy ashfall. Long-term exposure to wet ash can corrode metal.
* When cleaning away ash particles, use dust masks and eye protection. If you don't have a dust mask, use a wet handkerchief.
* As much as possible, keep ash out of buildings, machinery, air and water supplies, downspouts, stormdrains, etc.
* Stay indoors to minimize exposure -- especially if you have respiratory ailments.
* Minimize travel -- driving in heavy ash is hazardous to you and your car.
* Keep children indoors; discourage active play in dusty settings.
* Keep pets indoors. If pets go out, brush or vacuum them before letting them indoors.
* Make sure livestock have clean food and water.
* Wet ash can be slippery. Use caution when climbing on ladders and roofs.
* Remove as much ash as you can from frequently used areas. Clean from the top down. Wear a dust mask or a wet hankerchief if you don�t have a dust mask.
* Prior to sweeping, dampen ash to ease removal. Be careful to not wash ash into drainpipes, sewers, storm drains, etc.
Further information will be provided throughout the morning and afternoon.

Written by Roddy Heyliger
Government Information Service (GIS)

Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant

MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications

Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 599-5564217
Fax 599-544-3064

P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.

- Fw: SxmGIS - Hurricane Exercise to Involve Over 180 Persons

From: "Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications" <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
Date: Tue, 17 Jun 2003 00:04:12 -0400

----- Original Message -----

From: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:heylrody AT sintmaarten.net">Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications

To: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:dherald AT sintmaarten.net">dherald AT sintmaarten.net ; AT thedailyherald.com href="mailto:editorial AT thedailyherald.com">editorial AT thedailyherald.com

Sent: Monday, June 16, 2003 6:13 PM

Subject: SxmGIS - Hurricane Exercise to Involve Over 180 Persons

News Release

For Immediate Release: Monday, June 16, 2003

Hurricane Exercise to Involve Over 180 Persons

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) � Hurricane Exercise (Hurex 2003) involving over 180 persons will commence on Wednesday with a number of disaster management activities taking place at Mullet Bay, pre-training for the 2003 Hurricane, Fire Commander and Disaster Management Coordinator Winston Salomon, told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Monday.

�There will be no need for tourists and residents to be alarmed on Wednesday when they notice disaster emergency officials conducting a number of activities on the Mullet Bay grounds and surrounding waters.

�The exercise is held every year in order for everyone to reacquaint themselves with the rules of engagement under a disaster scenario,� Commander Salomon stated.

Operation Hurex 2003 will include a detachment of over 60 marines, the Dutch Frigate Hr. Ms. Bloys van Treslong, the Navy Logistical Vessel Hr. Ms. Pelikaan, members of the Disaster Assessment Response Team (DART), the Royal Dutch Marechaussee, the Fire Department, Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and approximately 40 students from the Medical University.

On Monday, the mobilization of military forces took place with military detachments flying out of the military barracks on Curacao and Aruba to St. Maarten. Preparations will continue on Tuesday for the Wednesday exercise.

Hurex 2003 also includes operations on St. Eustatius and Saba where 14 military personnel will be transported via the Pelikaan on Tuesday to both of those islands in preparation for the exercise. Several Boston Whaler boats and a Military Helicopter will be used in the exercise in the Windward Islands.

Disaster Management Coordinator Salomon, says that Hurex 2003 is a training exercise that tests the preparation and resources of disaster emergency personnel and organs within the islands disaster management system supported by external entities such as the Dutch Military and other governmental departments,� Salomon said on Monday.

# # #

Roddy Heyliger
Government Communications Consultant
GIS

Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant

MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications

Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 599-5564217
Fax 599-544-3064

P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.

- Fw: SxmGIS - Final Week for Requesting Hurricane Mobility Passes

From: "Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications" <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
Date: Wed, 11 Jun 2003 08:52:24 -0400

Subject: SxmGIS - Final Week for Requesting Hurricane Mobility Passes

News Release

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, June 10, 2003

Final Week for Requesting Hurricane Mobility Passes

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) � This week is the final week for requesting Mobility Passes for the upcoming 2003 Hurricane Season. Requests for passes will not be accepted after June 13.

The application process started on May 12. for a one-month period. Those who have requested a pass and it has been approved, will be notified when they can pick it up their passes at the Office of Disaster Management on Backstreet #56.

The hurricane mobility pass system was introduced as a measure to maintain public order during emergencies.

Applicants can request the application forms by email at: paulm AT sintmaarten.net For those without email, application forms are available at the Fire Department & Disaster Management Office located on Backstreet 56 (upstairs).

# # #

Roddy Heyliger
Government Information Service (GIS)
St. Maarten D.W.I.

Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant

MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications

Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 599-5564217
Fax 599-544-3064

P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.

- Fw: SxmGIS - "Effective Disaster Mitigation," for Hurricane Season 2003

From: "Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications" <heylrody AT sintmaarten.net>
Date: Sun, 1 Jun 2003 18:31:46 -0400

----- Original Message -----

From: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:heylrody AT sintmaarten.net">Roddy Heyliger - MEDPRO - PR & Communications

To: AT sintmaarten.net href="mailto:dherald AT sintmaarten.net">dherald AT sintmaarten.net ; AT thedailyherald.com href="mailto:editorial AT thedailyherald.com">editorial AT thedailyherald.com

Sent: Friday, May 30, 2003 4:48 PM

Subject: SxmGIS - "Effective Disaster Mitigation," for Hurricane Season 2003

News Release

For Immediate Release: Friday, May 30, 2003

�Effective Disaster Mitigation,� for Hurricane Season 2003

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) � The 2003 Hurricane Season will officially start on Sunday, June 1. Fire Commander and Disaster Management Coordinator Winston Salomon, is advising all residents this hurricane season to be prepared.

Disaster Management Coordinator Salomon told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Friday that residents need to be pro-active in relation to hurricane preparedness and planning.

�According to the forecasters, it is a high likelihood this year�s season will be busier than usual. It is a personal responsibility of home and business owners to take the necessary measures to mitigate any damage to their property.

�As a community we cannot afford to have a lax attitude. Ensure that you and your family are prepared. I am appealing to the district community organizations, civic organizations, the non-governmental community, trade unions and the private sector organizations, to give hazard mitigation a top priority this hurricane season.

�Set up your own awareness campaigns for your memberships and spread the word to civil society. Assists your friends and neighbours wherever they need some help.

�Our overall goal and emphasis this hurricane season is to reduce the impact and subsequent damage to infrastructure, private property and to prevent the loss of life.

�The benefits of hazard reduction and mitigation will lead to a quicker recovery after a hurricane strike in order to sustain economic development,� Salomon stated on Friday.

The Office of Disaster Management is already reviewing preparations for the season and has started with the application process for Hurricane Mobility Passes.

Forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predict 11 to 15 tropical storms; six to nine of the storms are expected to become hurricanes; two to four of them major storms reaching category two or higher on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

Category two storms have winds of 96 miles per hour (mph) to 110 mph with category five being the highest on the scale with winds exceeding 155 mph.

The average hurricane season has 10 tropical storms, with six reaching hurricane strength and two classified as major storms. The 2002 season was described as a mild one producing 12 names storms, of which four became hurricanes.

Eventhough the season officially kicks off in June 1 and ends on November 30, already for this the first sub tropical storm Ana was formed in April off Bermuda.

The other named storms for Hurricane Season 2003 are: Bill, Claudette, Erika, Fabian, Grace, Henri, Isabel, Juan, Kate, Larry, Mindy, Nicholas, Odette, Peter, Rose, Sam, Teresa, Victor, and Wanda.

# # #

Written by:
Roddy Heyliger
St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)

Roddy Heyliger
Communications Consultant

MEDPRO - Designed to broaden public knowledge by informing.
"The Value of Knowing First."
AT Government Communications
AT Corporate Communications

Email: heylrody AT sintmaarten.net
Cell 599-(0)5564217
Fax 599-544-3319

P.O.Box 414, Philipsburg
St. Maarten D.W.I.