PHILIPSBURG - Curaçao and Aruba have pledged to send additional generators to Sint Maarten to assist with the ongoing power outages. This decision was made during an emergency meeting of the Regional Crisis Cooperation Platform, convened by the Dutch Representation in Philipsburg. Transportation coordination with the Royal Dutch Navy began last night.
The energy crisis in Sint Maarten has been ongoing for a month, resulting in daily power outages. The situation escalated yesterday when a fire in the auxiliary boiler of one of the generators caused further outages. This led to the failure of two generators, in addition to an already affected machine. "This has severely impacted the power grid," said Acting Prime Minister Veronica Jansen-Webster.
Currently, only seven generators are operational, leading to insufficient power production. As a result, GEBE has to ration electricity across the island, causing temporary and rotating power outages in the Dutch part of Sint Maarten.
Vice Prime Minister Jansen-Webster urges citizens to demonstrate community spirit and mutual support during these times. She encourages people with generators to share resources with neighbors, particularly for storing essential medications and baby supplies.
"We regret the inconvenience and difficulties this crisis has caused our community. We are doing everything possible to restore full power supply to our island. We are determined and confident that we will overcome these challenges together," she added.