Sint Maarten has been focusing on disaster preparedness and resilience in the years following Hurricane Irma, which caused damage estimated at more than twice the island’s GDP. The country is now prioritizing risk reduction before disasters occur by strengthening infrastructure and planning for future storms.
The World Bank has supported these efforts through the Sint Maarten Reconstruction, Recovery, and Resilience Trust Fund. This fund was established after Hurricane Irma in partnership with the governments of Sint Maarten and the Netherlands. Its purpose is not only to rebuild what was lost but also to create systems that enable faster and stronger recovery from future storms.
According to the World Bank, “Across the island, that resilience is now taking shape in tangible ways. Homes are being repaired to higher building standards so families can return to safer roofs. The Princess Juliana International Airport – the backbone of the island's tourism economy - has been rebuilt with stronger structural standards to protect lives and keep the country connected when the next storm hits. A new hospital is being constructed, engineered to withstand earthquakes and strong winds, ensuring continuity of care even during the most severe storms.”
Efforts also include strengthening digital systems so government services remain operational during crises. In education, teachers have received better training for disaster response, and a game called "HURRYcane Run" helps children learn how to stay safe when storms approach.
The Trust Fund introduced Early Grade Reading and Mathematics Assessments, providing Sint Maarten its first consistent method for tracking student progress and addressing learning gaps widened by the pandemic. The government plans to establish a Disaster Reserve Fund — a dedicated reserve for emergencies — developed with guidance from a World Bank study.
The World Bank notes that while much progress has been made, ongoing challenges remain as climate risks increase: “Yet resilience is never finished. As climate risks intensify, Sint Maarten — like all small island economies — will need to keep expanding its protections: strengthening financial buffers, investing in faster early-warning systems, and ensuring that every recovery plan is backed by dedicated, ready-to-use financing.”
Regional collaboration will be important for sustaining gains in resilience through sharing expertise and pooling resources.
“While Sint Maarteners avoid saying the word ‘hurricane,’ their actions speak louder than words. They are preparing, adapting, and rebuilding stronger each time — and experience shows that this commitment always pays off,” according to the statement.