The Canadian government has updated its travel advisory for Sint Maarten, urging travellers to prepare for a possible nationwide power outage.
Despite these warnings, Sint Maarten maintains its “green” status, indicating a safe travel environment where the usual safety precautions are advised to be taken.
Prepare for a power outage
The advisory, updated June 5, 2024, highlights the frequent and prolonged power outages currently affecting the island.
Travelers are advised to pack an emergency kit containing essentials such as a flashlight, power bank and chargers.
This preparation is essential to manage the intermittent electricity supply that has become part of daily life in Sint Maarten.
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Official reassurance amid power supply crisis
Minister of Tourism, Economy, Transport and Communications Grischa Heyliger-Marten (TEATT) stressed that the “green” rating reflects the relative safety of the destination compared to other Caribbean islands such as Aruba and Curacao.
Despite the current problems with electricity supply, the minister stressed that there is no need to panic, stressing that the government and local electricity company GEBE are actively working to restore a stable supply of electricity.
Comparing risk levels: Sint Maarten and Europe
While Sint Maarten remains in the lowest risk level, Heyliger-Maarten noted that European countries such as the Netherlands and France are in the “yellow” category under Canada's advisory.
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The designation calls for a heightened level of caution due to the continuing terrorist threat in Europe.
Issues and responses to power outages
Power outages are currently in place in Sint Maarten as the island's only electricity supplier, NV GEBE, is unable to meet demand.
The situation worsened last Sunday with a nationwide power outage and a fire at the Cave Bay power station.
The causes of these challenges include aging infrastructure, the effects of climate change, and economic growth.
Recently, a fuel leak required emergency repairs, further disrupting power supply.
Impact on local services and response
The power crisis is having a visible impact on local services, with Sint Maarten's main newspaper, the Daily Herald, announcing it would cancel its Friday edition after the power outage reduced printing capacity.
The incident highlights the widespread impact that power instability has on daily operations and services on the island.
Ongoing monitoring and management
The government continues to monitor the response of other tourist supply countries to Sint Maarten's power problems.
Minister Heyliger-Marten stressed ongoing efforts to address the challenges and insisted there was no immediate cause for alarm for tourists or residents.
The focus remains on restoring full operations and ensuring the ongoing safety and security of all visitors to the island.
