News Release

Prepared by Roddy Heyliger, Government Information Service (GIS), Ennia Bldg., Longwall Rd., Philipsburg, St. Maarten D.W.I. Tel. 00-599-543-1162, 542-4119, Fax: 543-1169;

For Immediate Release: Monday, April 14, 2009/N078

Hurricane Mobility Pass Application Process Starts April 14

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) – The application process for Mobility Passes for the 2009 Hurricane Season which starts from June 1 to November 30, starts as of April 14 only for the business sector and vital organizations.  The pass allows the aforementioned to assess possible damage to their property.   Potential applicants have until May 22 to present all relevant information related to the process of requesting a Mobility Pass.

For the 2009 season, the application form as well as information sheet can be downloaded from the Fire Department’s website www.brandweersxm.net  under the link “Hurricane Information.”

Passes are issued to the following categories: government personnel, personnel of essential companies or organizations, (sub) contractors for Sector ROB-Public Works, transportation passes for hotel staff, business owners and members of vital organizations.  

The hurricane pass application procedure is only intended for businesses and vital organizations with respect to their key personnel receiving an exemption to a curfew.

The Office of the Fire Department & Disaster Management is handling the application process for the passes on behalf of the Governor of the Island Territory of St. Maarten. 

The hurricane mobility pass system is a mechanism to maintain public order during emergency situations.  The Governor assesses the damage after a disaster has occurred and can impose a curfew if the extent of the damage poses a threat to the safety and security of the community.

After a disaster has struck, and a curfew has been imposed, the public roads can only be accessed by emergency crews.  The Governor will ensure that the curfew is limited to the essential time that is needed to execute emergency and disaster relief and recovery efforts.

* Businesses and vital organizations can request personal passes for their key personnel. In principle only one (1) pass is granted per business, but for larger companies more passes can be requested.

* This pass will allow the bearer to visit his place of business to assess possible damage to the property, ONLY during certain hours that will be stipulated and announced by the Governor in a curfew situation.

* Proof must be submitted that one has a business on given address and/or is a member of a vital organization for which a pass is requested. Therefore a copy of the most recent business license (2009) should be submitted (or proof of registration at the Chamber of Commerce for vital organizations).

* The application form has to be completed and submitted to the offices of the Fire Department & Disaster Management, located at Backstreet 56 (upstairs) before May 22, 2009, with all necessary documents attached:
- copy business license fee paid for 2009;
- copy new model Sint Maarten ID-card (old cards are null and void);   

* When the request is submitted per form Nafl. 50,- in leges stamps, to be obtained at the Island Receiver, needs to be included. This is a non-refundable handling fee.

* One (1) passport picture must be submitted with the request for new applicants. 

* The emergency pass is only valid for the year 2009 hurricane season and will remain the property of the Island Territory. Passes have to be requested on an annual basis.

* The Governor approves the granting of the hurricane passes to applicants.

* Persons whose applications have been turned down will be notified on behalf of the Governor. Appeal is not possible.

* Persons without a valid residency permit will not be issued a pass.

* One will be informed by email or telephone when to pick up the pass at the Office of the Fire Department & Disaster Management on Backstreet 56 (office hours are Monday – Friday, 8.30 AM – 3.30 PM).

* The Island Territory is authorized to verify the information that is supplied by the person / business requesting the emergency pass.

* Failing to comply with the abovementioned procedure, omitting information or handing in the form too late will result in the application being turned down.

For those without internet access, application forms are available at the Fire Department & Disaster Management Office located on Backstreet 56 (upstairs).  

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