Message for Help

Hi

Just received this message from the Sonesta Resorts in St. Maarten. I was there only a few weeks ago. I truly believe this island will need a long time to recoup. First they have to get the people's lives back in order before they even think of rebuilding. Many people lost everything. I'm hoping the Dutch and French governments help this beautiful island..just as the American government must help St. Thomas and the American Virgin Islands. So sad for all hurricane victims.

I tried to make the letter small enough to fit on the page..sorry if it is hard to read..

Dear Friends of Sonesta Resorts St. Maarten:

We want to thank you for your outpouring of support and kind words in the wake of Hurricane Irma. Our beloved island has been devastated and, although we will rebuild in the future, our primary focus now is on relief efforts providing the basic living essentials like clean drinking water, food, clothes and cleaning supplies. There is much to do and compassion must be paramount.

As you know, our Sonesta St. Maarten team and staff and the people of Sint Maarten are the soul of our hotels and our destination. It is the people that make the experience exceptional – they are the ones that make St. Maarten “The Friendly Island" and they cannot be forgotten in their time of need. So now, please help us help them.

We are working directly with the relief organization Samaritan’s Purse that has been instrumental as the first responders to the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, and they are currently stationed at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort supplying humanitarian relief efforts to the island.

We have also set up an official fundraising page for the employees and staff of Sonesta Resorts Sint Maarten and The Maho Group. This fund will collect money to provide new clothing, supplies and household items; it will also help support aid to the employees and staff and offset medical and travel expenses.

We kindly ask for your support and donations today as timing is critical. We assure you that your donation is legitimate and legal, and that it will be closely monitored.

Donate through our dedicated Sonesta St. Maarten ******** page providing direct relief to our cherished resort staff at: www.********.com/sonestasxmstaff.

Or visit the Samaritan’s Purse website to donate to general St. Maarten island relief efforts at: www.samaritanspurse.org.

For more information related to our resorts closure and reservation, please see our official statement at www.sonesta.com/stmaarten.

We cannot let Irma’s victims in the Caribbean be forgotten. The real work is just beginning.

Thanks again for your kindness, compassion and support; we will keep you updated on progress and how your contributions are making a difference.

Our gratitude and very best wishes,

Eliska Hesova, on behalf of Sonesta Resorts St Maarten

Hi again...Regarding my original post..I tried to edit out the email addresses asking for donations..so my post would not be in violation of CC rules..obviously it didn't work .

Posted the letter as information on how bad things are on the island from a local resident.