Friday’s court ruling in favour of Vamed Engineering (see related story) is a major blow to the far-advanced hospital project. The case was against Social and Health Insurances SZV, but can be considered a defeat also for Government, St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), engineer’s bureau RoyalHaskoning and financial consultant KPMG, which were all closely involved in the preparations.
To caretaker Public Health Minister Emil Lee this must feel like a slap in the face. Earlier concern about the considerably lower bid of the chosen group was obviously not without justification.
The immediately executable verdict means an appeal won’t allow the project to proceed, so it’s either continue the legal battle and await a final outcome or start all over again. Even though the current outgoing coalition is practically returning to office with Lee in the same position, it appears their plans on the subject may have to be adjusted if they are to be realised any time soon.
On the other hand, most people do still agree a new or an at least renovated and expanded hospital is highly desirable and actually necessary. A whole other tendering and selection process indeed seems like a frustrating prospect, but could be what is ultimately required; carefully taking into account what the judge had to say and going back to the drawing board.
