Caribbean Review: Sint Eustatius Joins New Alliance to Strengthen Hurricane Resilience Introduction
Introduction
Hurricane season is fast approaching for Caribbean countries. However, a recent review found many Dutch territories, including Sint Eustatius, to have inadequate reserves to provide for locals when the season begins. Essentials such as drinking water, food, medicines and fuel were found to be severely lacking. However, on the 29th of May Sint Eustatius amongst other Dutch territories signed an agreement amongst each other to renew regional cooperation in agriculture, fisheries and livestock. This agreement secures additional reserves for the country during hurricane season whilst also providing foundations for potential future projects across Dutch territories.
How Hurricane Season Impacts Residents of Sint Eustatius
Hurricane season generally spans from early June to late November, typically peaking within August and September. A report released in May by the Netherland’s Court of Audit concluded that Sint Eustatitus, alongside fellow Dutch territories such as Saba and Bonaire, lacks the reserves needed to cope with hurricane season. Fuel reserves mark a key issue, a direct result of the Strait of Hormuz being blocked. The Strait of Hormuz was a main transport channel for fuel to the Caribbean, and the problem is exacerbated by air transport being closed off to Venezuela due to the geopolitical tensions. These disruptions mean that any reserves once allocated for hurricane season are being used for day-to-day operations.
The Court of Audit report recognized how the severe lack of resources corresponds to severe consequences, potentially causing disruption to the supply chains which would impact everyday life. According to the report only €9,000 were invested into emergency food supplies across 6 countries. Sint Eustatius’ food supply is insufficient in sustaining the island,let alone in acting as a supply reserve. Between Sint Eustatius, Bonaire and Saba, there are reserves of medicine and fuel; however, fresh food and drinking water are in dire circumstances. With a call to action to the Netherlands government that there needed to be consideration for emergency supplies, disclaiming that €9,000 across six islands within the territories is not enough to establish essential food reserves.
On drinking water: Under the Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (BES) Electricity and Drinking Water Act, emergency water is defined as a source of drinking water that can be accessed during a crisis that lasts longer than 24 hours. International standards determine that strategic drinking water (part of their emergency reserves) has to last at least 10 days. Current data shows that Sint Eustatius only has 7 days of strategic drinking water.
In regards to food, there is no policy stipulating how many reserves need to be available, but international standards state there should be at least 7 days of food reserves in addition to the regular food supply. Sint Eustatius only has 7 days of strategic food supplies available on average, with no additional reserves. Neighboring Bonaire, for example, has 13-14 days of food supplies to rely on if they are impacted by a crisis.
Similarly to food, there is no strict policy exclusive to the Dutch territories regarding fuel reserves; however, international standards state that at least 72 hours of fuel should be reserved for potential crises. Current geopolitical tensions, as stated previously, have meant that there are no reserves of oil prepared in Sint Eustatius, but there is quite a large portion of fuel remaining on the island at the moment from the regular day-to-day stock.
On a more positive note, medical reserves in Sint Eustatius are at an excess with about one to two months worth of additional supplies as well as the current stock used in day-to-day practice.
Overall, the Court of Audit’s report poses serious concern about the lack of infrastructure to the requirement of stocks for a crisis.
What does the Regional Cooperation Agreement Aim to Solve
It is clear these islands are not independently able to sustain reserves if a hurricane emergency occurs. However, the regional agreement signed May 29th provides a partial solution. This partnership, officially entitled the “Dutch Caribbean Agriculture, Livestock And Fisheries Alliance” (DC ALFA), aims to address any shortages to avoid supply chain disruption.
This alliance was created with a focus on hurricanes, but has been highlighted as a new beginning between the Dutch Caribbean in introducing more supportive measures for food security, fisheries development, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture and regional policy cooperation. This agreement has been in the works since 2023, and proposes to be fully functional by 2035. The partnership strives towards becoming an independent legal entity capable of supporting stronger governance structures including external funding opportunities and long-term regional project implementation.
According to SMN- N, Mister Hylinger- Marten (Politician from Saint Maarten) stated “These renewed partnerships allow us to share knowledge, align efforts and build stronger opportunities for future generations”.
What Benefits Sint Eustatius Should Experience This Hurricane Season
Due to this agreement only being signed very recently, it is unlikely that its full effects will be felt within this year alone. However, this hurricane season should be met with caution not alarm.
The DC AFLA does not provide immediate relief but is a safety net that can start looking towards strategies to support reserve shortages. Potential benefits this hurricane season are improved coordination between the Dutch Caribbean, faster information sharing regarding shortages and emergency needs, greater opportunities to redistribute available resources between islands, and finally, a mutual circulation of support that will shorten disruption periods. Residents could review the DC AFLA as being a first step in improving the island's hurricane resilience.