Businesses can now apply for
hurricane mobility passes
PHILIPSBURG--Businesses and vital organisations can apply as of today, Monday, for Hurricane Mobility Passes that allow the holders special exemptions from curfews, to assess damage to their property after a tropical storm or hurricane passes the island. The deadline for applications is May 23.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season is from June 1 to November 30.
Passes are issued to government personnel, personnel of essential companies or organisations, subcontractors for the Department of Public Works, transportation passes for hotel staff, business owners and members of vital organisations.
The application form and information sheet are downloadable from the Fire Department’s Website
www.brandweersxm.net under the link “Hurricane Information.” Application forms are also available from the office of Fire Department/Disaster Management at Back Street 56 (upstairs).
In principle, only one pass is granted per business, but for larger companies more passes can be requested, according to the Government Information Service (GIS).
The Fire Department/Office of Disaster Management is responsible for the application process on behalf of Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards. The hurricane mobility pass system is a mechanism to maintain public order during emergency situations.
The Lt. Governor assesses the damage after a disaster and can impose a curfew if the extent of the damage poses a threat to the safety and security of the community. When a curfew has been imposed the public roads can only be accessed by emergency crews. The Lt. Governor will ensure that the curfew is limited to the essential time that is needed to execute emergency and disaster relief and recovery efforts.
The mobility pass allows the holder to visit his place of business to assess possible damage to the property only during certain hours that will be stipulated and announced by the Lt. Governor in a curfew situation.
The application form must be completed and submitted to the office of the Fire Department/Disaster Management with copies of business licence fee paid for 2008, new St. Maarten identification card, residence and employment permit (if applicable). One passport photo has to be submitted with each new application.
A NAf. 50 revenue stamp from the Island Receiver’s Office must be included with the application. This is a non-refundable handling fee.
Successful applicants will be informed by e-mail or telephone when to collect their passes.
Failing to comply with this procedure, omitting information or handing in the form too late will result in the application being turned down.
Applicants whose requests have been turned down will be notified on behalf of the Lt. Governor. Appeal is not possible. Persons without valid residence permits will not be issued passes.
