Sonesta executives and the St. Maarten government are
collaborating on an evacuation plan for guests who were staying at Sonesta
resorts when Hurricane Irma tore through the island on Wednesday, Sonesta said
Friday on Facebook.
Irma severely damaged all three Sonesta resorts on St.
Maarten (Maho Beach, Ocean Point and Great Bay Beach). They will be closed for business
indefinitely.
Guests at Great Bay Beach were transferred on Thursday night
to shelters in Cay Hill and Cole Bay.
Guests at the Ocean Point and Maho Beach resorts are being
sheltered in meeting rooms at those properties.
Generators are providing electricity in some areas as well
as power to the kitchens. Sonesta said it is providing food for guests remaining
at the hotels and guests who have been transferred to shelters.
Princess Juliana Airport was severely damaged and is
currently being used only for military and humanitarian flights.
The three resorts are closed indefinitely due to the damages
incurred by Irma.