The Simpson Bay dock is closed as of today Wednesday (see Tuesday newspaper), as refurbishment works expected to take about two to three months begin. During the refurbishment Immigration services normally provided there will temporarily operate from the Ferry Dock at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA).
It regards a joint effort by the Ministry of Pubic Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI and the Gioia Group, owners of properties Las Arenas and Cocos Beach Club in the area. So-called Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) can be a good development tool.
The agreement was announced in early February, so it took about eight months to materialise. That’s not bad, but the timing still seems a bit unfortunate, coming right at the start of another yachting season.
Having to use the ferry landing at PJIA is probably an inconvenience marine operators could well do without. The Ministry of Justice is said to be exploring an additional location to accommodate them.
They should keep in mind that plans include reconstruction of the dock to meet modern maritime standards, rebuilding of the parking area, construction of a dedicated garbage room and landscaping. What’s more, repairs will be carried out at the adjacent police station and sewage treatment system, with work also intended to improve the general environment around the police and Immigration station.
According to VROMI, the completed facilities are expected to provide improved services for the maritime community and address parking and access concerns raised by residents of Simpson Bay Village. The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication(TEATT) has meanwhile asked yacht agents, captains, marinas, vessel operators and other members of the maritime community to take note of the temporary arrangements.
Nevertheless, this is certainly not the best moment to execute such a project. The same may be said for the much-delayed new Soualiga Marketplace being built in Philipsburg, which is also a PPP project financed by Royal Caribbean.
In both cases, work will take place at the busiest time of the year. However, most important remains the end result.
