When asked about plans to finally complete the Administration Building on Pond Island and the connection with Government’s huge debts to Social and Health Care Insurances SZV as well as general
pension fund APS, Prime Minister William Marlin during Wednesday’s press briefing spoke of “killing three birds with one stone” (see related article). These two organisations now intend to purchase the complex for 45 million guilders and help offset the combined arrears of more than 100 million, but finish and equip it too.
The country then will lease the accommodation, partly from funds saved by reducing the office space currently rented from third parties elsewhere in Philipsburg. Marlin admitted that not all departments could be housed in the still-empty structure, although that is undoubtedly even less the case for the existing, “old” Administration Building on Clem Labega Square.
Perhaps more significantly, he announced that an estimated NAf. 60 million St. Maarten is to receive from the division of assets of the dismantled Netherlands Antilles will go toward servicing the aforementioned debt. That also would allow Government to eventually buy back the “new” building.
This financial scenario might seem a bit optimistic, but there is also another aspect. The current building and space it occupies could be used to generate income once the move is made; for example, with a much-needed proper paid parking facility in the downtown shopping area.
In conclusion, it seems the NA/DP/USP/Matser/Lake coalition is closer to solving these longstanding issues than ever before. At the same time, after all that has – or has not – happened over the last eight years, it’s understandable people aren’t holding their breath and may be forgiven for continuing to take a “wait and see” attitude.
