The signing of an agreement to complete the “no longer so new” Government Administration Building on Pond Island that also addresses the country’s debts to Social and Health Insurances SZV
and general pension fund APS (see Saturday paper) is undoubtedly good news. SZV is to buy, renovate and furnish the complex that has stood practically empty since it was delivered by the contractor eight years ago.
The proceeds from this transfer of land and structure will go to offsetting some of the arrears to both entities totalling about 160 million guilders. Government then will lease the property for six per cent of the value – a purchase sum of 45 million guilders was mentioned earlier – with money saved from not having to rent as much office space elsewhere.
It was stated that Government now pays 1.2 million guilders for its accommodations and this would be reduced to near 400,000 guilders after the move, allowing the balance to be used for servicing the debts. Whether that’s entirely correct remains to be seen, because there could be long-term contracts and other issues involved.
Part of the arrears also will be covered by earmarking the estimated 60 million guilders St. Maarten is to receive from the division of assets of the dismantled Netherlands Antilles. This way it supposedly can all be paid off in three years.
The latest plan is to occupy what has been called a “white elephant” and “the world’s most expensive chicken coop” in September, the same month citizens are scheduled to go vote for a new Parliament. Expectations now have been created and there is a need to deliver; otherwise, the current NA/DP/USP/Lake/Matser coalition’s partners could well feel it at the polls.
