MARIGOT--Ahead of today’s meeting on the Orient Beach situation, President of the Territorial Council Aline Hanson has clarified a number of points to print and broadcast media regarding claims to the public domain so the public can be fully informed.
“The public domain belongs to the community, which means to all of us,” she said in her release. “The first principle that governs public domain is that it is freely usable by all. It is the public’s interest that prevails in this area. The public domain can be used for commercial purposes through conventions and the conditions defined by the Collectivité. Temporary occupation permits (AOT) are part of these agreements.
“Touristic areas have been set aside specifically for this, including Orient Bay, which is the subject of activities on the beach for 25 years. The Commune in that era had set occupancy rates that have not been updated over the years. This situation explains the abnormally low prices charged until 2012.
“Our objective today is to settle the situation of many tenants who run businesses on the public domain without paying. Since 2012, occupancy rates have been updated by the present administration and since 2012, the elected body wanted to improve the AW34 plot and following Hurricane Gonzalo we were obliged to rebuild the beach shops and restaurants that are so popular with our visitors.
“The occupants were consulted on the project from the beginning. The Collectivité also committed to give them priority in the allocation of the new ‘carbets.’
“The increase of the prices of the AOT was also known from the beginning because the rates had already been adjusted for some. The construction of the ‘Carbets Programme’ had to be completed before the tourist season. We were two months late. That is why the Collectivité decided to extend the deadline for the first rent to March 1, 2016 instead of January 2016.
“These new ‘carbets’ were delivered to construction and hygiene standards. Since January 2016, the Collectivité gave authorisation for the construction of outdoor bars and deck covers as requested by the occupants.
“As with any new building, there is a little extra work that will have to be done, but nothing that prevents the opening of the structures. I know about it as I have personally followed the work from A to Z of the construction of the cité Scolaire Robert Weinum. Indeed, most of the operators have started their new activity on the beach and their businesses are already successful. I congratulate them.
“This programme was carried out in the interest of the territory and its people. It is definitely an improvement from the past structures, providing the same standards offered on Orient Beach. This is what the whole population can witness today. To conclude, I insist on the fact that I will remain aware and vigilant, maintaining equity and respect for all.
“St. Martin must move forward and create the conditions for a sustainable economic development that can benefit the entire population by respecting the rules of good governance.”
