The disaster after the disaster. Revealing postcolonial relations between Sint Maarten and the Netherlands
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2020-05-18
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en
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This ethnographic case study focusses on post-colonial relations between Sint Maarten and
its (former) Dutch metropole that are revealed by the disaster of hurricane Irma of 2017. The
design of this research is based on the Gioia methodology, using both a deductive and an
inductive approach. The interviews focused on the preparation, aftermath, and recovery of
Irma. I conclude that the preparation for hurricane Irma slipped up because of a lack of
communication from the government. Moreover, the natural hazard became a real disaster
because the country was not resilient enough to recover on its own. I argue that Sint Maarten
is trapped within post-colonialism. Insight in disaster management and recovery showed that
although Sint Maarten has an autonomous government, it is still dependent on the
Netherlands. The Dutch government has a protective power over the island. It wants to
protect the aid and citizens of Sint Maarten for their corrupt government. I recommend that
Sint Maarten and the Netherlands should improve their relationship and transform their
protective power relationship to a cooperative power relationship.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen