Labega calls for urgent
repairs to Courthouse
PHILIPSBURG--The Courthouse is in dire need of maintenance and repair and Member of Parliament (MP) Erno Labega is seeking the cooperation of President of Parliament Pedro Atacho to have this matter addressed urgently.
Labega of the St. Maarten Democratic Party (DP) recalled that the building had been renovated and painted about 10 years ago, but said absolutely nothing had been done since then to maintain the building and keep it in a good and presentable state.
In a letter to Atacho, he listed a number of problems with the popular and historic building located in Philipsburg. “The concrete window sills are disintegrating, hurricane shutters are in need of maintenance and rust stains from rusted nails and/or screws are visible on all sides of the building,” Labega said.
Furthermore, he said, the paint on all exterior walls is peeling, the traditional fencing is falling apart, the landscaping needs to be upgraded and possible underlying structural problems need to be looked at.
Labega: “It’s my understanding that budgetary requests for maintenance of the building over the past several years have not been honoured, allowing this unacceptable situation to develop. I would greatly appreciate your immediate cooperation in engaging the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Finance to address this matter without hesitation.”
Located in the heart of Philipsburg, the Courthouse is one of the first points of interest when visitors step off the cruise ships and into Philipsburg, Labega noted.
“The people of St. Maarten, our fellow citizens of the Netherlands Antilles and all visitors to the island deserve a landmark building that is truly representative of the community, and a monument which is properly maintained and displays the pride evident in our population,” he stated.
