PHILIPSBURG--Opposition Democratic Party (DP) says there are still numerous unanswered questions surrounding the rental of the Caribbean Palm building to house the new 15-member Parliament of Country St. Maarten for US $96,000 per month.
DP Councilwoman Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the press Monday that the party will be writing to government on the matter, with the hope of getting information on the bidding process followed to acquire the building on Front Street and how the contractors for the refitting have been chosen.
"We [the Island Council] don't know what we are getting and considering the new laws passed on government accountability, we will be seeking answers," she said. "Why was this money [being use to rent and repay the owners for the refitting the building] not being used to complete the new Government Administration Building, called an expensive pigeon coop by government when in opposition."
DP candidates for the September 17 early Island Council elections have indicated that they will not use the Caribbean Palm building if/when elected. Asked about this, Buncamper-Molanus said there was still time to reverse the decision to rent the building. "After all, it is the people's money and from all indication the building will not be ready by 10-10-10, when the new parliament will be sworn in."
DP leader Councilwoman Sarah Wescot-Williams said she completely rejected the argument by the National Alliance (NA)-led coalition that renting the building had become necessary because DP had not completed the new building on Pond Island.
"One of the first announcements by the NA/Heyliger/Laveist government was that the new financial structure was to be in place, and some time later government said it was no longer going in that direction and was looking at new options," Wescot-Williams said. "We totally reject government's argument that DP has been negligent. What have they done in the past 15 months in office? That argument would have stood five to seven months ago, but not now.
Buncamper-Molanus said the building on Pond Island and the present administration building on Clem Labega Square "belong to government," thus investments should be made into the properties that belong to government and people.
NA leader Commissioner William Marlin had defended the rental of the building in a newspaper interview, saying that government will be paying less than the average price per square metre to rent the Caribbean Palm building.
Government will be renting four floors, including the loft in the five-floor building for US $96,000 per month.
Caribbean Palm owners will be responsible for securing contractors to carry out the necessary interior work in time for October 10. At least four faction offices, meeting rooms and separate offices for each of the 15 parliamentarians will be among the facilities in the building.
