Ombudsman Nilda Arduin expressed to Parliament her concern about Government’s failure to inform her on the manner in which the local timeshare sector is supervised (see related story). She has concluded that the Economic Permits Ordinance is not being complied with.
The issue is of great significance because – among other reasons – successors of timeshare resorts are supposed to respect the rights established by their predecessors
that should in turn transfer such. It’s often said St. Maarten lacks enough protection for timeshare owners, but if the existing rules aren’t even enforced one has to wonder where the priority of those involved lies.
The same thing can be asked about elected representatives. After all, Tuesday’s Parliament session on draft legislation to establish a Timeshare Authority and better regulate the island’s main industry stalled when – following an adjournment – one of the eight legislators who had signed in for the meeting did not return, leaving the gathering without the required quorum.
It’s easy to blame that particular coalition member, but seven of his colleagues from both sides of the aisle were also “missing in action.”
