PHILIPSBURG--The Executive Council has decided to make land created by the Ring Road project available for long lease to all legal residents to build homes today, with people allowed to plant stakes in the sand on parcels across from the former Van Dorp building (near Rima Beach World) on the Walter Nisbeth Road.
The move comes on the heels of controversy following the announcement that filled-in land would be given out in long-lease, despite earlier assurances that no development would be allowed there. To avoid even the perception of favouritism and in light of the allegations of irregularities within the ROB sector that deals with the issuing of lease land, building permits etc. as mentioned in the SOAB report, government has chosen "to give everyone a fair chance at a piece of the land claimed from the Salt Pond."
In addition, it was decided to do this quickly "and get it over with" so that work on the road can continue undisturbed. Those who are interested need to be on location this morning at 9:00am to have the opportunity to lay claim to a piece of land.
The action, which brings back memories of "land grab" campaigns in the "Old West" of North America as depicted in the classic movie "Oklahoma," is naturally governed by strict rules that will be enforced by local authorities, to avoid chaos. For one thing, no stakes planted before the starting sign is given will be accepted.
The various available parcels of 30 by 30 metres will be marked out just before the action, so there can be no dispute once the first stake has been placed within the respective boundaries. The name of the "applicant" on a piece of paper or cloth must be attached or tied to each stake.
Only one candidate per existing household will be accepted and all who are interested must bring along their valid ID-card to participate. The conditions for the long lease will be the usual, favourable ones applied for land to build private homes.
"We want to give people who would normally not apply through the regular channels the possibility to have at least a crack at a piece of land, because there is not all that much left to give out, while the urgent need for housing remains great. Government hopes that in doing so it will not only provide those who succeed with happy Easter holidays, but above all make it clear that this Executive Council considers everyone equal and is there to work in the general interest, rather than that of certain groups or individuals," explained Infrastructure Commissioner Theo Heyliger.
He urged everyone to make use of this opportunity that will not easily be offered again anytime soon, but to do so in an orderly fashion and with mutual respect. "Let's show the world that we are big and responsible enough to handle such a unique gesture meant to help promote home ownership on the island," he added.
