Government targets Q4 2027 for tsunami, earthquake and Host Nation Support plans

GREAT BAY--Government is targeting the fourth quarter of 2027 for completion of new tsunami, earthquake and Host Nation Support plans, with Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina also outlining a testing regime intended to measure how prepared the country is to respond when those plans are activated.

Mercelina told Parliament during the 2027 budget deliberations that Government intends to complete a tsunami plan and accompanying standard operating procedures, an earthquake plan and procedures, and a Host Nation Support plan and procedures by Q4 2027 He also indicated that Government will continue exploring micro-insurance possibilities as part of its wider disaster risk management efforts.

The Prime Minister said the plans will not remain only on paper. Government intends to test national readiness through tabletop exercises, communications testing, Emergency Operations Center activation exercises and, where appropriate, field exercises.

That introduces a clearer testing structure for disaster preparedness, moving beyond the drafting of plans toward measuring how agencies, emergency services and Government structures function together during a simulated emergency.

The work forms part of Government’s broader effort to strengthen national disaster management and emergency preparedness. Mercelina has previously said funding was secured for tsunami preparedness, Host Nation Support, micro-insurance and strengthening the Office of Disaster Management, alongside approximately US$6 million for a new Emergency Operations Center.

Government has also been working on disaster communications, inter-agency coordination, shelter preparedness and cooperation with regional and Kingdom partners.

Host Nation Support planning is particularly important in major emergencies because it establishes how St. Maarten would receive, coordinate and support outside assistance if local response capacity is overwhelmed.

The tsunami and earthquake plans are expected to establish clearer procedures for Government agencies and emergency services in the event of disasters that require rapid coordination, public warnings and large-scale response measures.

Mercelina’s Q4 2027 target now places a timetable on the completion of those plans and adds an expectation that the procedures will be tested before Government considers the country fully prepared.

The Prime Minister has repeatedly stressed that disaster preparedness cannot depend only on Government agencies responding after an event has occurred. The country’s disaster framework also depends on clear responsibilities, functioning communications, coordinated emergency services and residents knowing how to respond.

The planned exercises will therefore provide an opportunity to identify gaps in communication, coordination and operational readiness before an actual emergency occurs.

Government’s next challenge will be ensuring that the plans, once completed, are regularly tested, updated and integrated into the country’s wider disaster management system rather than treated as one-time documents.

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