Duck International takes
owner of Mrs. B’s to court
PHILIPSBURG--Duck International has initiated an injunction against Joan Verwood, owner of Mrs. B’s food and beverage spot on Dawn Beach, which will be dealt with in Court on Friday, starting at 2:00pm.
Duck International, which is constructing a number of luxurious residential units on its property in the Dawn Beach area, accused Verwood of continuing to trespass and to use part of its property illegally.
The claimant said in a letter dated April 19 that Verwood’s “illegal presence” would substantially hinder the construction of the condominiums, which will start shortly.
In the same letter, served to Verwood by the bailiff, Duck International summoned her to vacate the property voluntarily by May 1, which she has so far declined to do.
Verwood and one of her staunch supporters Philip Elfstrom visited The Daily Herald’s office on Tuesday, showing a permit issued by the Executive Council in June 2004 permitting her to sell alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and to place beach chairs on the Dawn Beach location where she has her business. “I have done my businesses there for the last five years or so and I am going to stay,” she insisted.
Elfstrom said he and his family were from Pennsylvania and had been going to Mrs. B’s since it was opened. He said the support from him and other American tourists for Verwood was “overwhelming.” He added that a large group of supporters would gather in front of the Courthouse Friday carrying banners and slogans in support of Verwood.
Lawyer Erik de Vries, who legally represents Duck International, said Verwood was illegally selling goods on the property of his client, which he said included part of the beach.
He added that his client had proof of ownership of the property in the form of a document (Certificate of Admeasurement) issued by Kadaster. De Vries said there was no doubt about it, Mrs. B. must go.
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