TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin SXM STRONG...OPEN FOR BUSINESS....

FOUND THIS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=30&v=5laFhvzN4LI

Yes, and posted earlier by Elaine in the "Post Irma List of Things open on SXM" thread.

Nice video.

Oops ! I missed it !!!

No problem.

Great video. We cancelled our upcoming trip a couple of weeks ago. This video cheered me up a bit.

Is this filmed before or after Hurricanes? Post Irma?

From the youtube page:
Please note...(this is for the previous comment that was placed) Most if not all of this footage was shot last week October 4th 2017, which is 4 weeks after hurricane Irma...and its simply showing the resolve of the Sint Maarten people, that yes we were hit terribly but we are determined to get back on our feet.

Amazing but if one were to only see this video it has the appearance of business is back to normal. I'm sorry but I think a deep breath needs to be taken while the residents are afforded the opportunity to get back on their feet. I can't imagine how incredibly difficult is has to be with no safe drinking water or electricity at the touch of a finger readily available. Heart breaking, <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Sad.gif" alt="" />

Videomaking 101: When in doubt, end on boobs.

"Most" of the video was shot post hurricane??? I have trouble with this video - seeing food and working electricity when people are still waiting for running water, food supplies and even gasoline! Just sayin'

Saying what? I'm not sure I get it.

They are able to open. They are employing people. The economy begins to cycle. They order food from distributors. There is transportation people employed. The cooks and servers in turn have paychecks. They spend money on repairs or in stores.
It is commerce.

Not sure where you're getting your info, but it's not correct. Some people are still waiting for electricity, yes. But I think most have it by now. There is water available to all now, not necessarily RUNNING water, but there is water available to all, through the water stations that are available. Gasoline and food are NOT in short supply, not at all. Many do not have enough MONEY for food, gasoline, etc., but that is a different question. Getting businesses GOING is what makes people be employed and make money to afford to survive.

Carol - we have friends who live in villas at Red Pond. That is where I am getting my information. Very different than what the video shows.

Electricity yes, I'm sure there are a lot of people still waiting for electricity. But they are saying there are gasoline and food shortages?? I would be very surprised at that, considering there are zero tourists on island now. And I see ads in the Daily Herald all the time for grocery stores, selling fresh produce, meat, etc.

Have talked with friends on the Dutch side and they are very optimistic about how the recovery is progressing. Just booked accommodations with Jackie and Carlos at caribbeanweeks.com for February. Direct flight from Chicago that priced was over $1,000 all summer has dropped to $500.

Very uplifting video!

And those that are homeless and unemployed, how are they supposed to buy fresh produce, meat, etc.???

Perhaps by getting a little commerce going on the island. When 90%+ of the economy of the island is tourist related, it has to start there.

Again, understand what I'm saying--my point is that I don't think there are gasoline or food SHORTAGES. That is a DIFFERENT question than whether people can afford them, because they have no income. That is why having businesses open is so VITAL, to have people have some income.

Yep. Trickle down economics. Pretty basic.

Please look up Trickle-down Economics. What is being talked about here is nothing of the sort.

SXM is in the middle of an economic depression right now. They need to jump start the entire economy. Aid for rebuilding will do part of that but bringing in money through tourism is going to be essential to making things operate again.