MARIGOT--The future of the Key Restaurant on Pinel Island appeared to be in doubt yesterday despite the March 2011 appeals court ruling upholding the decision to demolish the restaurant.
French side media indicated Tuesday that the Préfet has not issued an "arrêté" for its demolition and no release from the Préfecture on the matter has been issued so far.
Community Council Vice-President Emile Larmonie who is fronting a campaign to save the restaurant, confirmed that the court ruling was hand-delivered to the restaurant owner Catherine Randazzo by the bailiff (huissier) in June. However, the final decision to demolish is reportedly up to the Préfet.
Uncertainty has arisen because of previous verbal statements reportedly made by engineer M. Lecomte who is in charge of the Key Restaurant case. Larmonie said that Lecomte told him "the restaurant must be demolished."
Adding to the uncertainty is the fact the restaurant could still be demolished but further along in the future.
Asked why the Préfet and M. Lecomte appeared not to be on the same page, Larmonie said: "I don't know if the Préfet knows what he is talking about. I tried to see him but was directed to Lecomte. It is Lecomte who is in charge of the dossier and he has all the documents. It's a cat and mouse game they are playing."
It was understood by Larmonie and the Randazzos that demolition would take place at the end of July.
Asked if he thought the demolition will still take place, Larmonie added. "No, a lot of things will happen before we get to that point. You know how the population is. They will stand up and fight and the government will hide. I hope it doesn't come to that but if it does so be it."
The original restaurant partner Leonie Larmonie was convicted by the court for building the restaurant without a valid permit and employing three undeclared workers. She was given three months to dismantle the restaurant and was fined 9,775 euros. However, throughout the appeals process the restaurant was able to remain standing and operating.
The Randazzos who own two thirds of the business inherited the legal troubles but have gone to great expense to abide by regulations and financial obligations, as well as adhering to rules laid down by Conservatoire du Littoral.
No comments on the issue could be obtained yesterday from Réserve Naturelle manager Romain Renoux as he is off-island.
