The disaster after the disaster. Revealing postcolonial relations between Sint Maarten and the Netherlands

Abstract

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.