- Updates from the Islands -

- - St.Maarten/St.Martin - -

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Wed, 2 Apr 2008 20:02:56 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2008 13:40:15 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Tue, 29 Jan 2008 08:48:40 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Mon, 21 Jan 2008 07:14:34 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Sat, 19 Jan 2008 10:41:55 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:04:26 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2007 12:46:19 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 15:31:52 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 15:25:35 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Mon, 3 Dec 2007 08:45:13 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Sat, 1 Dec 2007 09:21:17 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Sat, 1 Dec 2007 07:51:57 -0400

• From: Roddy Heyliger <roddyheyliger at yahoo.com>
• Date: Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:44:05 -0800 (PST)

Attachment: SxmGIS NRelease Governor Richards Says No Damages Reported due to Earthquake 291107.txt
Description: Binary data

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:23:13 -0400

• From: "Roddy Heyliger" <roddyheyliger at gmail.com>
• Date: Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:02:14 -0400

After 3.00pm a strong earthquake was felt and lasted for a number of
seconds.  The local fire department says they have been receiving some
reports of minor damage here and there.
Apparently the quake measured 7.3 and was between Dominica and Martinique.
Otherwise, everything is fine on the Friendly Island.

-- 
Roddy Heyliger
P.O.Box 945, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Cell: 5816323, 5204217
Public Relations & Communications
Email: roddyheyliger at yahoo.com

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Thu, 22 Nov 2007 08:06:50 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2007 08:27:06 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:37:30 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2007 08:04:55 -0400

• From: Roddy Heyliger <roddyheyliger at yahoo.com>
• Date: Mon, 8 Oct 2007 06:39:09 -0700 (PDT)

News Release
 
Written by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Government 
Information Service (GIS), 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; 
 
For Immediate Release: Sunday, October 07, 2007/N196
 
Governor Richards says hurricane season mild, but not yet over 

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) ? Governor Franklyn Richards who is also Chairman 
of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), says the 2007 hurricane season has 
been mild so far, but not yet over and persons should remain in a state of 
preparedness despite this.

Forecasters from the Colorado State University Phil Klotzbach and William Gray 
recently released their updated hurricane forecast for October and November and 
in their opinion they expect it to be very active.

Klotzbach and Gray have forecasted four named storms for the next two months, 
two of those predicted to reach hurricane strength and one of those is expected 
to become a major hurricane with wind speeds of over 111 miles per hour.

St. Maarten has in the past experienced late bloom hurricanes such as Tropical 
Storm Jose around October 21, 1999 and Hurricane Lenny better known as 
?left-handed Lenny? that arrived from an unexpected direction, the West, around 
November 18, 1999.  Tropical Storm Klaus in 1984 passed by November 6, 1984.  

?The season has already seen several catastrophic hurricanes namely Dean and 
Felix.  It is in our interests to maintain a certain state of preparedness as 
we continue to go through the season.  Continue to monitor weather reports in 
order to keep informed of possible storm activity which would allow you and 
your family to take the appropriate measures,? Governor Richards told the 
Government Information Service (GIS) on Sunday.

As the Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness theme says, ?How have you 
prepared yourself for the hurricane season??  

The remainder of names for the 2007 Hurricane Season is: Noel, Olga, Pablo, 
Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van and Wendy.  

Andrea formed in May as a subtropical storm followed by Barry in June, Chantal 
in July, Dean, Erin in August and Felix, Gabriella, Humberto, Ingrid, Jerry, 
Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa in September. 

The hurricane season runs through November 30.

# # # 

Roddy Heyliger
St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2007 16:44:16 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2007 16:41:24 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Sun, 30 Sep 2007 12:00:10 -0400

• From: Roddy Heyliger <roddyheyliger at yahoo.com>
• Date: Wed, 26 Sep 2007 13:48:28 -0700 (PDT)

News Release
 
Written by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Government 
Information Service (GIS), 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; 
 
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, September 26, 2007/N181
 
Residents advised to monitor weather reports closely in coming days and weeks

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) ? Residents are being advised to closely monitor 
weather reports in the coming days as well as the coming weeks as storm 
formation activity has increased somewhat and we are still in the peak part of 
the 2007 hurricane season, Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness said on 
Wednesday.

At the moment Tropical Storm Karen is located over 1000 miles East of the 
Caribbean island chain.  Forecasters are predicting that it could develop into 
a Hurricane.   It does not pose a direct threat to the islands; however 
residents should monitor the storms progress until it clears the island chain.  
There is also another un-named system behind Tropical Storm Karen which is 
worth monitoring.

Now is also a good time to review your hurricane preparations such as your 
Family Disaster Plan and Disaster Supply Kit.  The Family Plan should be based 
on your vulnerability to Hurricane Hazards that could affect your family such 
as storm surge or flooding.  By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you 
should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.

Every home should have a Disaster Supply Kit which would contain certain items 
you need to have regardless of where you ride out a hurricane.

Forecasters from the Colorado State University Phil Klotzbach and William Gray 
forecasted for the month of September to expect five named storms and another 
five in October/November.  They predicted four of the five storms in September 
to become hurricanes, with two of them reaching major hurricane status, with 
winds greater than 111 miles per hour.

As the Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness theme says, ?How have you 
prepared yourself for the hurricane season??  

For October/November, forecasters expect two of the five named storms to grow 
into hurricanes.  They forecast one of those two will become a major hurricane. 
 Mid September was the peak of the season and up until mid-October are 
considered active weeks.

Hurricane forecasters have predicted 15 named storms for the season, eight are 
expected to develop into hurricanes, and four are forecast to reach intense 
hurricane strength, with winds of 111 miles per hour or more.

The remainder of names for the 2007 Hurricane Season is: Lorenzo, Melissa, 
Noel, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van and Wendy.  

Andrea formed in May as a subtropical storm followed by Barry in June, Chantal 
in July, Dean, Erin in August and Felix, Gabriella, Humberto, Ingrid, Jerry and 
Karen in September. 

The hurricane season runs through November 30.

# # # 

Roddy Heyliger
St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2007 18:43:00 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2007 08:45:02 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Sun, 16 Sep 2007 11:12:18 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:16:31 -0400

• From: Roddy Heyliger <roddyheyliger at yahoo.com>
• Date: Mon, 10 Sep 2007 10:02:30 -0700 (PDT)

News Release
 
Written by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Government 
Information Service (GIS), 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; 
 
For Immediate Release: Monday, September 10, 2007/N167
 
Governor Richards says forecasters predict more major hurricanes for 2007 

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) ? Governor Franklyn Richards, says forecasters 
from the Colorado State University Phil Klotzbach and William Gray recently 
released in their updated hurricane forecast to expect the remainder of the 
hurricane season to be active.

For the month of September they expect five named storms and another five in 
October/November.  They predict four of the five storms in September to become 
hurricanes, with two of them reaching major hurricane status, with winds 
greater than 111 miles per hour.

?I call on the nation to bear the aforementioned in mind and to continue to be 
prepared to take action when required.  The season has already seen two 
catastrophic hurricanes namely Dean and Felix.  It is in our interests to 
maintain a certain state of preparedness as we continue to go through the 
season.  Continue to monitor weather reports in order to keep informed,? 
Governor Richards told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Monday.

As the Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness theme says, ?How have you 
prepared yourself for the hurricane season??  

For October/November, they expect two of the five named storms to grow into 
hurricanes.  They forecast one of those two will become a major hurricane and 
think one of those two will become a major hurricane.  Mid September is the 
peak of the season and the coming five weeks until mid-October are considered 
active weeks.

Hurricane forecasters have predicted 15 named storms for the season, eight are 
expected to develop into hurricanes, and four are forecast to reach intense 
hurricane strength, with winds of 111 miles per hour or more.

The remainder of names for the 2007 Hurricane Season is: Humberto, Ingrid, 
Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Noel, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, 
Van and Wendy.  

Andrea formed in May as a subtropical storm followed by Barry in June, Chantal 
in July, Dean, Erin in August and Felix, Gabriella in September. 

The hurricane season runs through November 30.

# # # 

Roddy Heyliger
St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Sat, 8 Sep 2007 12:37:26 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at megatropic.com>
• Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2007 09:56:20 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2007 11:00:41 -0400

• From: Roddy Heyliger <roddyheyliger at yahoo.com>
• Date: Sun, 2 Sep 2007 07:02:23 -0700 (PDT)

News Release
 
Written by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Government 
Information Service (GIS), 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; 
 
For Immediate Release: Thursday, August 30, 2007/N159
 
Coastal residents advised to be prepared

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) ? Coastal residents are being advised by the 
Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness (ODMP) to be prepared to take 
timely action in the event a hurricane was to threaten the island.

The Southerly coastlines of the island are dotted with homes and are in danger 
from storm surge in the event of a hurricane passing the island.

A hurricane system can devastate coastal communities taking lives and 
destroying property.  After hurricane Lenny in 1999, coastal communities 
suffered tremendous damaged, but have been rebuilt.  These properties remain at 
a high risk for storm surge and flooding.

Residents living along the coast are hereby advised to have a plan in place 
that would allow them to relocate prior to a hurricane strike.  This plan 
should also include what they would do with their pets.

Hurricane Dean tracked along the Southern coast of Jamaica causing severe 
damage to residential communities two weeks ago.

Whether the hurricane season is predicted to be active or not, members of the 
public should be prepared and monitor weather reports in order to keep abreast 
if a system has developed and what threat it could pose to the island.   

It only takes one storm system to create havoc. For new residents who haven?t 
experienced an active hurricane season or a hurricane itself, do not be 
unconcerned because it only takes one hurricane in the season to ruin lives and 
livelihoods.   

Hurricane forecasters have predicted 15 named storms for the season, eight are 
expected to develop into hurricanes, and four are forecast to reach intense 
hurricane strength, with winds of 111 miles per hour or more.

As the Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness theme says, ?How have you 
prepared yourself for the hurricane season??  

The remainder of names for the 2007 Hurricane Season is: Felix, Gabriella, 
Humberto, Ingrid, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Noel, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, 
Sebastien, Tanya, Van and Wendy.  

Andrea formed in May as a subtropical storm followed by Barry in June, Chantal 
in July and Dean, Erin in August. 

The hurricane season runs through November 30.

# # # 

Roddy Heyliger
St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Sun, 2 Sep 2007 09:06:38 -0400

• From: Roddy Heyliger <roddyheyliger at yahoo.com>
• Date: Mon, 20 Aug 2007 08:42:26 -0700 (PDT)

News Release
 
Written by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Government 
Information Service (GIS), 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; 
 
For Immediate Release: Monday, August 20, 2007/N150
 
Governor Richards says Hurricane Dean teaches us not to be complacent 

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) ? Governor Franklyn Richards, says the passing of 
Hurricane Dean through the Eastern Caribbean island chain Friday and Saturday 
teaches us that we cannot be complacent and must take the required actions to 
minimize the risk of injury and destruction.

Richards added that it serves as a reminder to the nation that the hurricane 
season is heading into the peak period and that Hurricane Dean was a wake-up 
call for everybody to review where they were at when it comes to hurricane 
preparation.

Up to Monday, six persons had perished throughout the Caribbean and millions of 
dollars have been calculated in damages.  Hurricane Dean continues its track 
through the Caribbean passing to the South of Jamaica on Sunday and the Cayman 
Islands on Monday.

Assessment teams have been very busy visiting the Southern coastal villages and 
parishes of Jamaica to determine the extent of damage caused by Hurricane Dean 
as it passed the island?s South coast over the weekend.

Governor Richards says he is pleased to learn that forward-teams were already 
positioned in Jamaica prior to the Hurricane passage which would allow for 
immediate damage assessments to be carried out once it was safe to do so.  
These teams are USAID/OFDA, UN/OCHA and PAHO. 

Hurricane Dean did not pose a direct threat to St. Maarten, however the 
emergency planning department and Meteorological Services monitored the system 
closely and passed on information and advice to the community in a timely 
manner.

?Preparations are key prior to a hurricane strike.  Businesses and government 
must survive and recover from a disaster as quick as possible which would 
ensure that our economy can be up and running and our way of life returns to a 
semblance of normality.

?Residents, business owners and contractors have been advised from the 
beginning of the season to draft plans that would protect their families, 
business operations and construction sites.  When a hurricane threatens our 
island, what is left for residents, businesses and contractors to do to prepare 
should be minimal.

?If you have a plan, preparations to protect property should be carried out 
within a short period of time.  I was pleased with the state of readiness of 
the nation and the pro-active approach and preparations taken by various 
government agencies.

?For those who were complacent, let Hurricane Dean be a lesson that we must be 
prepared.  Our response agencies will remain in a state of readiness for the 
remainder of the hurricane season,? Governor Richards, Chairman of the 
Emergency Operations Center (EOC) told the Government Information Service (GIS) 
on Monday.
  
Hurricane forecasters have predicted 15 named storms for the season, eight are 
expected to develop into hurricanes, and four are forecast to reach intense 
hurricane strength, with winds of 111 miles per hour or more.

As the Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness theme says, ?How have you 
prepared yourself for the hurricane season??  

The remainder of names for the 2007 Hurricane Season is: Felix, Gabriella, 
Humberto, Ingrid, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Noel, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, 
Sebastien, Tanya, Van and Wendy.  

Andrea formed in May as a subtropical storm followed by Barry in June, Chantal 
in July and Dean, Erin in August. 

The hurricane season runs through November 30.

# # # 

Roddy Heyliger
St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Sat, 18 Aug 2007 09:40:55 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2007 15:21:32 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2007 08:39:14 -0400

The following is an independent update from a pro met on the storm2k site.
He has been doing a great job of keeping us informed and up to date.
I hope our friends in the lower islands are safe.
Currently in St. Maarten is is very windy. It is cloudy but no rain.

8 A.M. EDT 8/17/2007 HURRICANE DEAN UPDATE #21

This is an independent product

Next Update: 11 A.M.

• From: "Dustin Norlund" <hylas49 at gmail.com>
• Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2007 20:22:52 -0400

• From: Roddy Heyliger <roddyheyliger at yahoo.com>
• Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2007 13:13:24 -0700 (PDT)

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; 
 
For Immediate Release: Thursday, August 16, 2007/N145 EOC Advisory #1 ? 4.10PM
 
Hurricane Dean forecast to pass well South of St. Maarten on Friday; 
Residents required to continue to monitor the Hurricane; 
St. Maarten is under a Tropical Storm Warning;

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) ? The Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness 
(ODMP) would hereby like to inform the community that St. Maarten remains under 
a Tropical Storm Warning as of Thursday morning as Hurricane Dean makes its way 
towards the Eastern Caribbean island chain.

A Tropical Storm Warning means that there is a possible threat of tropical 
storm conditions within the next 24 hours.  Due to forecast track 
uncertainties, the aforementioned warning will remain in place until further 
notice.

Tomorrow Friday, August 17 will be a normal business working and school day.  A 
number of inquiries have come in regarding the aforementioned.

Hurricane Dean has been classified as a category 1 hurricane at this time and 
is expected to pass according to the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba 
Meteorological Service (NAAMS) at a comfortable distance South of St. Maarten 
in the course of Friday.

According to NAAMS, the forecast track should probably keep tropical storm and 
hurricane force winds South of St. Maarten, affecting the water and causing 
rough seas due to high waves and swells to be generated by the hurricane as it 
enters into the Caribbean Sea.

Weather conditions today Thursday, are expected to deteriorate where seas 
become rough as swells generated by Dean begin to affect local water.  On 
Friday, waves and swells will increase further.  There is also a possibility 
for squalls and rain bands passing over the island.

Residents are strongly advised to continue to monitor radio and TV reports for 
the latest weather updates with respect to the progress of Hurricane Dean which 
is forecast to further strengthen and become a category two hurricane before it 
is forecast to reach the islands of Martinique and Dominica.

# # # 

Roddy Heyliger
St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)

• From: "Dustin Norlund" <dustin.norlund at thrustaerospace.com>
• Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:43:45 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:37:17 -0400

• From: "Roddy Heyliger" <roddyheyliger at gmail.com>
• Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2007 11:45:26 -0400

• From: Roddy Heyliger <roddyheyliger at yahoo.com>
• Date: Wed, 15 Aug 2007 15:25:42 -0700 (PDT)

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; 
 
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, August 15, 2007/N144
 
Tropical Storm Dean shifts more Southerly, but residents urged to continue to 
monitor the storms progress

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) ? The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported on 
Tuesday that Tropical Storm (TS) Dean continues to strengthen and that the 
residents of the Eastern Caribbean islands should continue to monitor the 
system as the storm moves towards the Eastern Caribbean island chain.

TS Dean based on Tuesday weather advisories has taken a more Southerly tracking 
which would keep it further away from St. Maarten as it makes its way through 
the Caribbean island chain some time on Friday or Saturday.

The Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness (ODMP) encourages residents to 
continue to monitor the progress of the tropical storm system which has been 
intensifying.

TS Dean will be closely monitored by the ODMP and if required, advisories will 
be issued in a timely manner to the media regarding what measures should be 
taken if the system was to change course and possibly pose a threat to the 
island of St. Maarten.

TS Erin has also formed making it the fifth named storm for the season and is 
located in the Gulf of Mexico off Texas.

As we approach the busy part of the hurricane season which runs from August 15 
to October 15, residents are advised to make sure that they have already taken 
certain steps to protect life and property.

On Thursday evening August 16, a Government Information Service (GIS) Hurricane 
Special will be aired at 6.00pm on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 15 entitled, 
?What You Need to Know.? 

The first step of storm/hurricane preparedness is ensuring that you are 
adequately informed.  For new residents, start by learning about 
storms/hurricanes, and how they can affect the island and how to prepare.  

Learn the location of public shelters.  Determine how safe is your area and 
inquire about flooding of low lying areas.  Devise a hurricane preparedness 
plan.  Decide from the onset where you will go if your house isn?t safe.  Make 
sure the house you choose to shelter in is well constructed.

Persons living in dwellings, whose structure may not be of the quality of the 
house constructed out of concrete, should make alternative arrangements in the 
event of a hurricane threat. 

If you own a boat, decide where to store it in the event of an emergency.  Most 
importantly, ensure that your home and property insurance are up to date. 

Trim deadwood from trees and cut back overhanging branches.  Check and repair 
loose gutters around the roof and downspouts.  Check and repair loose or 
damaged roofing; install hurricane roof straps if you do not already have them 
installed.

Check your hurricane shutters or plywood covers and the tools you need to 
install them.  Practice installing them.  Stock up on plywood if necessary.  
Get it measured, cut and labeled for each opening if you do not have shutters.

Stock up on hurricane supplies.  Begin collecting enough non-perishable food, 
water, first aid, and other survival supplies to last each person for the first 
three days after the passing of a hurricane and up to a week.  To diffuse cost, 
the items can be purchased a little at a time by picking up some extras with 
each trip to the supermarket.

Do not forget to stock up on any prescription medication your family may need, 
especially items for the young and elderly.  During the hurricane season keep 
your vehicle?s gas tank more than half full at all times.

# # # 

Roddy Heyliger
St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Wed, 15 Aug 2007 08:34:14 -0400

• From: Roddy Heyliger <roddyheyliger at yahoo.com>
• Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2007 17:03:09 -0700 (PDT)

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; 
 
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, August 14, 2007/N143
 
Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness calls on nation to closely monitor 
progress of Tropical Storm Dean

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) ? The Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness 
(ODMP) is calling on the nation to closely monitor the progress of the fourth 
tropical storm system for the 2007 hurricane season which was named by the 
National Hurricane Center on Tuesday morning as Tropical Storm (TS) Dean.

During the coming days, TS Dean will be closely monitored by the ODMP and if 
required, advisories will be issued in a timely manner to the media regarding 
what measures should be taken if the system poses a threat (direct) to the 
island of St. Maarten.

Computer models have been forecasting that TS Dean could pass very close to St. 
Maarten, however it is too early to determine if this will be the case as long 
term forecast is prone to a wide margin of error.  These long term forecast are 
revised daily and the ODMP will keep the public informed as the storm makes its 
way towards the Eastern Caribbean island chain.

All residents are hereby advised to closely monitor weather reports on a daily 
basis in order to keep abreast of the progress of the seasons fourth named 
tropical weather system. 

On Monday the ODMP and alerted the 10 Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) units 
to the existence at that time of Tropical Depression #4 ? which has now become 
TS Dean ? and to closely monitor the system in the coming days as it nears the 
Caribbean island chain. 

# # # 

Roddy Heyliger
St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)

• From: Roddy Heyliger <roddyheyliger at yahoo.com>
• Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2007 16:34:30 -0700 (PDT)

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; 
 
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, August 14, 2007/N142
 
Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority request mariners to monitor closely progress of 
Tropical Storm Dean 

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) ? Managing Director of the Simpson Bay Lagoon 
Authority Corporation, Russell Voges advises all boat owners and captains to 
keep track of the weather bulletins and to make sure they take the necessary 
precautions to safeguard their boats, dinghies and properties should Tropical 
Storm Dean pose a threat to St. Maarten.  The storm path can be followed on the 
website of the U.S. National Hurricane Center is <nhc.noaa.gov>.
Bridge will not open when windspeed exceeds 35 kmh or 19.7 mph:
Please be advised that the Simpson Bay bridge will stop operating when the ten 
minute average wind speed as measured by the Meteorological Service of the 
Netherlands Antilles exceeds 35 kmh or 19.7 mph and therefore will be closed 
for maritime traffic. The daily bridge openings are 09:30; 11:30 and 17:30 
hours. The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority advises all boaters very strongly and 
urgently to bring in their boats long before any storm is nearing the shores of 
St. Maarten so they can make use of the regular bridge openings and assure 
themselves of anchoring down their boats in a safe and secure manner. 
Requirement for safe entry of barges:
Any barges brought in through the bridge channel should have a second tugboat 
tailing the barge to ensure that the barge will not be hitting the bridge 
structure from side to side.  Especially barges should be brought in early when 
the winds are not high and the tides are not strong.  The Simpson Bay Lagoon 
Authority advises all companies once more that they will be held responsible 
and liable for all visible and all hidden damages incurred during passage and 
cautions them to take the utmost care.  Barges that are not accompanied by a 
tailing tugboat will not be permitted to transit.
Anchored boats will be inspected:
The Simpson Bay Lagoon will be patrolled extra prior to the threat of a storm 
by the Coast Guard the Maritime Police and the Lagoon Authority and all 
anchored boats will be inspected to see if they are properly and safely 
anchored and do not form any hazard during the storm to any of the other boats 
anchored in the lagoon.
Seek refuge early before storm strikes:
All boaters in St. Maarten and in the surrounding islands of Anguilla and St. 
Barths are hereby explicitly warned that if they would like to seek refuge in 
the Simpson Bay Lagoon with their boats to weather out the storm should 
Tropical Storm Dean pose a threat to these islands, they should be constantly 
on the alert," Managing Director of the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority 
Corporation, Russell Voges told the Government Information Service (GIS) on 
Tuesday. 

The expected wind speeds for Friday, August 18 will probably oblige the Simpson 
Bay Lagoon Authority not to operate the bridge and therefore there will be no 
passage into the Lagoon.  Do not hesitate!  Make up your mind now!  Make use of 
the regular bridge openings during Wednesday and Thursday to bring in your 
boat.  Only if the measured wind speeds allow such, the bridge will be operated 
on Friday.  If the increase in flow of maritime traffic seeking refuge requires 
such, the Lagoon Authority will consider special openings. 

For more information the Lagoon Authority can be reached on tel: 545 3183 and 
the bridge attendants can be reached on VHF channel 12. 

# # # 

Roddy Heyliger
St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2007 17:42:15 -0400

WTNT34 KNHC 142045
TCPAT4
BULLETIN
TROPICAL STORM DEAN ADVISORY NUMBER   6
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL   AL042007
500 PM AST TUE AUG 14 2007

...DEAN MOVING WESTWARD ACROSS THE CENTRAL TROPICAL ATLANTIC...

INTERESTS IN THE LESSER ANTILLES SHOULD MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF

AT 500 PM AST...2100Z...THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM DEAN WAS
LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 11.6 NORTH...LONGITUDE 41.0 WEST OR ABOUT 1140
MILES...1830 KM...WEST OF THE SOUTHERNMOST CAPE VERDE ISLANDS AND
ABOUT 1390 MILES...2235 KM...EAST OF THE LESSER ANTILLES.

DEAN IS MOVING QUICKLY TOWARD THE WEST NEAR 21 MPH...33 KM/HR...AND
THIS GENERAL MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE DURING THE NEXT 24
HOURS.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 40 MPH...65 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS.  SOME STRENGTHENING IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS.

TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 35 MILES...55 KM
FROM THE CENTER.

ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 1004 MB...29.65 INCHES.

REPEATING THE 500 PM AST POSITION...11.6 N...41.0 W.  MOVEMENT
TOWARD...WEST NEAR 21 MPH.  MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...40 MPH.
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1004 MB.
FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS

INITIAL      14/2100Z 11.6N  41.0W    35 KT
12HR VT     15/0600Z 11.7N  43.6W    40 KT
24HR VT     15/1800Z 12.0N  46.9W    45 KT
36HR VT     16/0600Z 12.3N  50.2W    50 KT
48HR VT     16/1800Z 12.6N  53.5W    60 KT
72HR VT     17/1800Z 14.0N  59.5W    70 KT
96HR VT     18/1800Z 15.5N  64.5W    85 KT
120HR VT     19/1800Z 17.5N  69.5W    95 KT

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2007 08:06:04 -0400

• From: Roddy Heyliger <roddyheyliger at yahoo.com>
• Date: Mon, 13 Aug 2007 18:23:45 -0700 (PDT)

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; 
 
For Immediate Release: Monday, August 13, 2007/N141
 
Tourism sector advised to review hurricane preparation plans

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) ? The island?s mainstay, the tourism sector, is 
being advised to review hurricane preparation plans now as we approach the most 
active period of the 2007 hurricane season which begins August 15 and runs 
through October 15. 

Residents and businesses are also advised to pay keen attention to weather 
reports with special focus on the Eastern Atlantic Ocean where tropical weather 
systems that form off the African Coast (Cape Verde Islands) can become a 
serious threat to the Eastern Caribbean island chain.  

At this stage of the hurricane season, tourism-oriented businesses should be 
prepared.  The prevention of the loss of life of our visitors and staff along 
with protecting property from damage is the responsibility of every business 
owner.  The engine of the economy is every single business operation on the 
island.  Each one plays a very important role in the island?s tourism-oriented 
economy.

As the Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness theme says, ?How have you 
prepared yourself for the hurricane season?  Now is the time for residents to 
review what preparations are in place and to get ready, and not when a storm is 
about to hit.

The remainder of names for the 2007 Hurricane Season is: Dean, Erin, Felix, 
Gabriella, Humberto, Ingrid, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Noel, Olga, Pablo, 
Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van and Wendy.  Andrea formed in May as a 
subtropical storm followed by Barry in June and Chantal in July. 

The hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.

# # # 

Roddy Heyliger
St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Sun, 12 Aug 2007 14:39:31 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Sat, 11 Aug 2007 16:52:39 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:02:41 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2007 10:20:48 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Tue, 3 Jul 2007 16:14:44 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2007 11:03:57 -0400

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2007 20:28:31 -0400

We need more rain..

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at sintmaarten.net>
• Date: Fri, 1 Jun 2007 10:39:34 -0400

• From: Roddy Heyliger <roddyheyliger at yahoo.com>
• Date: Thu, 31 May 2007 15:55:32 -0700 (PDT)

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; 
 
For Immediate Release: Thursday, May 31, 2007/N068
 
Temporary hurricane shelter listing made available

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) ? The Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness 
(ODMP) on Thursday afternoon released a listing of 11 temporary hurricane 
shelters for the 2007 hurricane season.  Two to three additional shelters will 
be added shortly.

The listing is as follows:

1. Christian Fellowship Church - Welfare Road - Cole Bay
 
2. Dutch Quarter Community Center - Zorg en Rust Road - Lower Prince's Quarter
 
3. Genevieve de Weever School - Hope Estate - Upper Prince's Quarter
 
4. John Larmonie Center - Longwall Road - Philipsburg
 
5. Leonard Connor School - Venus Drive - Cape Bay
 
6. Leopold Bell School - Union Road - Cole Bay
 
7. Milton Peters College - L.B. Scot Road - South Reward
 
8. Raoul Illidge Sports Complex - Welgelegen Road - Cay Hill
 
9. Salvation Army Building - Union Road - Cole Bay
 
10. Simpson Bay Community Center - Simpson Bay Road - Simpson Bay
 
11. St. Maarten Academy - Cupper Drive - Cul-de-Sac

# # # 

Roddy Heyliger
St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at hotmail.com>
• Date: Thu, 31 May 2007 17:14:01 -0400

• From: Roddy Heyliger <roddyheyliger at yahoo.com>
• Date: Thu, 31 May 2007 09:59:39 -0700 (PDT)

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; 
 
For Immediate Release: Thursday, May 31, 2007/N067
 
Governor Richards calls on community to prepare for active hurricane season

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) ? Governor Franklyn Richards Chairman of the 
Island?s Disaster Emergency Management Organization, the Emergency Operations 
Center (EOC), is calling on the St. Maarten community to prepare for what has 
been forecast to become an active 2007 hurricane season.

Governor Richards appeal comes on the eve of the 2007 hurricane season which 
officially opens on June 1.  

The U.S. NOAA Climate Prediction Center latest forecast calls for 13 to 17 
named storms, with seven to 10 becoming hurricanes, of which three to five 
could become major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher.  An average 
hurricane season brings 11 named storms, with six becoming hurricanes, 
including two major hurricanes.  

?An appeal has been made by weather forecasters to those living in hurricane 
prone regions to begin their preparation plans.  I would strongly urge those 
who haven?t done so already to make preparations.  

?For the past two weeks I have been informing the St. Maarten community about 
hurricane preparations and I do hope that they have taken the advice serious 
and have made preparations.

?Time and time again we have had the experience and have been taught to be 
prepared and don?t wait until the last minute to gather our stuff together 
because then it would have already been too late.  Prepare early in order for 
you and your family to be able to ride out the storm in a safe manner,? 
Governor Richards told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Thursday. 

The names for the 2007 Hurricane Season are: Barry, Chantal, Dean, Erin, Felix, 
Gabriella, Humberto, Ingrid, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Noel, Olga, Pablo, 
Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van and Wendy.  Andrea formed in May as a 
subtropical storm. 

# # # 

Roddy Heyliger
St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)

• From: Roddy Heyliger <roddyheyliger at yahoo.com>
• Date: Wed, 30 May 2007 20:24:19 -0700 (PDT)

• From: Roddy Heyliger <roddyheyliger at yahoo.com>
• Date: Sun, 27 May 2007 08:11:17 -0700 (PDT)

• From: Roddy Heyliger <roddyheyliger at yahoo.com>
• Date: Tue, 15 May 2007 07:54:39 -0700 (PDT)

• From: "Barbara Cannegieter" <barcann at sintmaarten.net>
• Date: Sun, 13 May 2007 10:00:24 -0400