GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – The application process for the annual Hurricane Emergency Passes for the 2015 Atlantic Hurricane Season which starts from June 1 to November 30, commences as of April 21 and is only applicable for the business sector and vital organizations.
The Simpson Bay Public Service Center (PSC) near the Simpson Bay Bridge is also an additional customer service point where the application form can be submitted. The PSC will also be a pick-up location for the approved pass.
The pass allows the aforementioned to assess their property in the event that a hurricane has caused damage to parts of the country.
Potential applicants have until May 22 to present all relevant information related to the process of requesting an Emergency Pass.
For the 2015 season, the application form as well as information sheet can be downloaded from the Fire Department’s website www.brandweersxm.net/hurricane-information/hurricane-passes/
Passes are issued to the following categories: government personnel, personnel of essential companies or organizations, (sub) contractors for the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), transportation passes for hotel staff, business owners and members of vital organizations to assess possible damage to their property.
The Hurricane Emergency 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 Disaster Management that falls under the Ministry of General Affairs is handling the application process for the passes on behalf of the Prime Minister.
The Hurricane Emergency Pass system is a mechanism to maintain public order during emergency situations. The Prime Minister assesses the damage in conjunction with Emergency Disaster Management entities of the Government 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 Prime Minister will ensure that the curfew is limited to the essential time that is needed to execute emergency and disaster relief and recovery efforts.
The application form has to be completed and submitted to the offices of the Fire Department & Disaster Management, to the attention of the secretary located at Jackal Road 5 (Office hoursMonday–Friday 9.00AM to 4.00PM), Cay Hill or at the Simpson Bay Public Service Center, (Monday-Friday 8.30AM to 12.00PM and 1.00PM to 3.30PM) Airport Road 6, before May 22, 2015, with all necessary documents attached.
Applicants will be informed by email or telephone when to pick up the pass at the aforementioned addresses.
