Sint Maarten continues to mourn the death of Wayne Drummond, a long-serving employee of the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort who died from severe burn injuries sustained in a workplace incident on September 20th.
Drummond, who worked at the resort for almost 30 years, was reportedly injured while carrying out duties in a boiler room. He was later medically evacuated to Colombia for specialized treatment, but died from his injuries on September 29th.
Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina extended condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Sint Maarten, describing Drummond as one of the workers whose efforts help sustain the country’s hospitality industry.
The Prime Minister also expressed support for the formal investigation being carried out by the Labor Inspectorate under the Safety Ordinance, saying the process should be allowed to proceed thoroughly and independently.
Meanwhile, the WICSU-PSU, of which Drummond was a member, is also calling for a full and transparent investigation.
The union says it had already written to Maho management seeking information about Drummond’s training, protective equipment, safety procedures and the support provided to him and his family.
WICSU-PSU says it had not received a formal response from management at the time of its statement and has asked Labor Minister Claret Connor for urgent intervention.
The union says it will not speculate about responsibility but will continue seeking answers on behalf of Drummond’s family and workers.
Condolences have been extended to his sisters, seven children, seven grandchildren, colleagues, friends and the wider Drummond family.