Daniel Gibbs: "From this disaster, we are going to raise and build a brand new Saint Martin"

"First of all, my heart goes out to the entire population of Saint-Martin. We have lost so much !  Today, I  want you all to know that my team and I are putting all of our energy for us to get back up and to make Saint-Martin stronger and more beautiful.

I know you’ve been badly touched, but I also know I can rely on the solidarity of my population.

From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you and tell you how proud I am of witnessing Saint-Matin’s solidarity. Today I have the regret to deplore the death of 11 of our people. I wisht to extend my deepest condolences to all the families of the victims. 

Yesterday, I meet with President Macron and the Minister of Overseas, Annick Girardin. Together, we met the residents of Grand-Case and Marigot. They are going back to Paris with a clear understanding of our needs and the our priorities. They are determined and committed to assisting us in rebuilding Saint-Martin.

The first phase of relief which consisted in ensuring maximum security with the means already on the territoriry, evacuating the wounded and assisting those in need has been achieved. Despite the hurricane José alert, the necessary measures have been put in place.

Today, the work is in progress and we are currently in Phase 2. Rest assured that we are doing evething in our capacity to organize humanitarian aid, cleaning up of the districts and ensure security is sufficient. It’s going to take time, we need everybody’s cooperation.

Concerning our schools, the Regional Council of Guadeloupe has committed to handling the reconstruction. The National board of Education is deploying all the means necessary to restart school shortly. It is my priority.

We are officially in a state of "Natural Catastrophy", the French government promised to assist Saint-Martin in its reconstruction.

From this disaster, we are going to raise and build a brand new Saint Martin in terms of education, security, economy, urbanism... We are going to build over our new society.

My determination for a better Saint-Martin remains the same. You have elected me with the mission to help St Martin regain its economic prosperity and Irma will not stand in my way.

Just as you have, I experienced the violence of hurricane Luis in 95. I know what needs to be done, just as I have faith in the trust you have in me and my team. I won’t disappoint you. Courage to all of you. »