St. Maarten Private Eye

(GIS) – The application process for Mobility Passes for the 2007 Hurricane Season will end on Friday, April 27.

Potential applicants have until April 27th to present all relevant information related to the process of requesting a Mobility Pass. Request after that date will not be accepted.

For the 2007 season, the application form as well as information sheet can be downloaded from the Fire Department’s website www.brandweersxm.net under the link “Hurricane Information.”

The hurricane pass application procedure is only intended for businesses and vital organizations with respect to their key personnel.

The hurricane mobility pass system is a measure to maintain public order during emergency situations. The Governor assesses the damage after a disaster has occurred and can impose a curfew if the extent of the damage poses a threat to the safety and security of the community.

After a disaster has struck, and a curfew has been imposed, the public roads can only be accessed by emergency crews. The Governor will ensure that the curfew is limited to the essential time that is needed to execute emergency and disaster relief and recovery efforts.

- Businesses and vital organizations can request personal passes for their key personnel. In principle only one (1) pass is granted per business, but for larger companies more passes can be requested.

- This pass will allow the bearer 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 Governor in a curfew situation.

- Proof must be submitted that one has a business on given address and/or is a member of a vital organization for which a pass is requested. Therefore a copy of the last business license fee paid (2006 or 2007) should be submitted (or proof of registration at the Chamber of Commerce for vital organizations).

- The application form has to be completed and submitted to the offices of the Fire Department & Disaster Management, located at Backstreet 56 (upstairs) before April 28th, 2007, with all necessary documents attached:

- copy business license fee paid for 2006 or 2007;
- copy new model Sint Maarten ID-card;
- copy residence and work permit (if applicable).

- When the request is submitted per form Nafl. 30,- in leges stamps, to be obtained at the Island Receiver, needs to be included. This is a non-refundable handling fee.

- One (1) passport picture must be submitted with the request. Persons who received a hurricane pass before are required to submit a new picture this year.

- The emergency pass is only valid for the year 2007 hurricane season and will remain the property of the Island Territory. Passes have to be requested on an annual basis.

- The Governor approves the granting of the hurricane passes to applicants.

- Persons whose applications have been turned down will be notified on behalf of the Governor. Appeal is not possible.

- One will be informed by email or telephone when to pick up the pass at the Office of the Fire Department & Disaster Management on Backstreet 56 (office hours are Monday – Friday, 8.30 AM – 3.30 PM).

- The Island Territory is authorized to verify the information that is supplied by the person / business requesting the emergency pass.

- Failing to comply with the abovementioned procedure, omitting information or handing in the form too late will result in the application being turned down.

For those without internet access, application forms are available at the Fire Department & Disaster Management Office located on Backstreet 56 (upstairs). www.brandweersxm.net

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