PORT: A total of 159 evacuees from volcano-ravaged St. Vincent arrived on St. Maarten on Saturday aboard cruise ship Celebrity Reflection. The evacuees were the only passengers on this humanitarian voyage.
The evacuees were from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. After arriving on island they were responsible for organizing their own flights back to their home or onward destinations. Some opted to stay on St. Maarten for a short period to recuperate and plan their departure based on the best possible flight options. Evacuees were assisted, if needed, by representatives of their home countries.
This operation was a collaboration of the US Consulate in Curaçao, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Port St. Maarten and the St. Maarten government. Among those welcoming the evacuees were government officials, UK Government representatives and Honorary Consul for Canada Pierre DeCelles
Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs said: “St. Maarten continues to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in St. Vincent and as such, we will continue to assist where possible.”
There are no other plans for similar evacuations from St. Vincent.
La Soufriére volcano started erupting more than a week ago and hasn’t stopped since.
