Mullet Bay has once again become an issue of some controversy, as Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs (see related story) does not support a proposed master plan for the property. She believes it should instead be put on the market for sale, with proceeds going toward the Ennia Insurance debacle resolution fund.
The minister was approached by Sun Resorts last year about participating in discussions about the matter but declined because she believes doing so could undermine St. Maarten’s first right of refusal when the land goes up for sale. In her view the objective must be to establish the boundaries, put Mullet Bay on the market and allow government to determine whether to exercise the matching offer option.
Interestingly, a first public meeting on the future of the area will be held this Wednesday, September 23, as Lyongo Architecture seeks community input for a master plan. The stated goal is to understand the area’s opportunities, challenges, qualities and needs, ensuring that different perspectives are considered as the master plan takes shape.
Back in January Sun Resorts announced it had begun the Mullet Bay master plan process, aimed at providing the people of St. Maarten with clearer information, better understanding and a more structured view of what the future of the area could look like. Management stated that the area is closely tied to memory, recreation, tourism, public interest and strong emotions and that many questions about its future remained unanswered, calling for the next phase to be approached with care, openness, responsibility and respect for those who feel connected to the area.
Gumbs is not buying it. She also questioned who would pay for the proposed master plan, having asked the resolution fund about the matter but not yet received an answer.
As pointed out, 3 million Caribbean guilders is reserved in the draft 2027 budget toward Ennia payments. This will continue to be the case annually for up to 30 years if nothing changes.
At the same time, any sale of Mullet Bay must ensure the beach remains public and accessible, preferably by the current road and parking lot. The interests of existing vendors who fall within the legal terrain limits for such recently set by the court ought to be taken into account as well.
Maintaining the golf course might be another possibility, seeing its importance for the entire island’s hospitality industry. There may be environmental and/or building restrictions to consider as well.
So sell and reduce the country’s debt yes, but not without conditions.
