Hurricane Irma swept through the Caribbean Islands and the southeastern portion of the United States this past week causing death and destruction. Irma caused extreme damage to the islands as it battered the area as a Category 5 hurricane leaving the infrastructure of St. Martin 95 percent destroyed. The tiny but beautiful island is home to SXM Festival which threw its second edition in March and hosts some of the best techno and house artists in the world.
SXM plans to help rebuild the beauty of St. Martin and has launched an official fundraising effort via GoFundMe to raise financial aid for the community. In conjunction with the Dutch & French tourism boards and government SXM will ensure that funds will directed to where they are needed the most.
The festival expressed it sadness by stating,
“The full force of IRMA was felt as the eye passed over Saint Martin, the pearl of the Caribbean. Our hearts are with everyone who has been affected by this massive storm and to those who are in her path. At this time we are concentrating our efforts in raising funds to assist with the basic needs of our brothers and sisters on Saint Martin as we are intimately connected to the people and the island.”
In June SXM announced that it will be hosting its third edition next March. The “island style festival” offers attendees an experience of British, Dutch, French, and West African culture resulting in a truely unforgivable trip. Previously their lineup has included artists such as Jamie Jones, ÂME, Richie Hawtin, Doc Martin, Black Coffee, and many more. It is typical scheduled the week before Ultra and hosts a European majority crowd.
SXM festival’s organizers are heartbroken over the loss St. Martin is experiencing. The island of rolling green hills, tropical seas, and year round 80 degree weather needs your help to rebuild and recover. In addition to funds, the festival is accepting supplies and asks that you contact them directly to coordinate at [email protected].
You can find out more information about their rescue and relief fund here.
