Local News
Tropical Storm Philippe shut businesses, PJIA and GEBE and closed French-side schools in October 2023
On October 3, 2023, the Council of Ministers ordered non-essential businesses closed for Tropical Storm Philippe, while PJIA and GEBE stayed closed and French-side schools remained shut the next day.
By SXM Daily ·
Reported 3 October 2023
Tropical Storm Philippe kept much of St. Martin closed on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, The Daily Herald reported.
Dutch side
The Council of Ministers, in consultation with the Meteorological Department and the Office of Disaster Management (ODM), ordered non-essential businesses to stay closed as an emergency weather measure, The Daily Herald reported.
Exempt from the order were:
- emergency services
- gas stations serving essential vehicles
- hotels and guesthouses, including their shops and restaurants
- the airport and Port St. Maarten
- pharmacies
- funeral parlours
Princess Juliana International Airport remained closed as a precaution, and GEBE was closed to the public, the Herald reported.
French side
All schools on the French side stayed closed on Wednesday, October 4, The Daily Herald reported. The territory was under orange vigilance for heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong gusts, and swimming and water sports were banned until 6 am on Thursday, October 5.
An Air Caraïbes flight to Pointe-à-Pitre was cancelled. Préfet Vincent Berton gave the briefing. The Préfecture reported no incidents on the roads and no interruptions to EDF electricity or water supply, according to the Herald.
Sources
- https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/essential-services-can-open-today-businesses-playschools-airport-gebe-closed
- https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/schools-on-french-side-to-remain-closed-wednesday