PHILIPSBURG:---- Independent MP Maurice Lake is not surprised by Weymouth Hill news article that aimed to discredit a good public-private initiative for the residents which was supported by the other two property owners in the area.
“Just to set the record straight, the two property owners Prima Vista and Valley Estate approach myself and the Minister of VROMI Angel Meyers to do a public-private partnership to help fix the deplorable road for the residents in the area and to also enhance the value of their property. I really don’t understand from the other property owner Gibbes-Hodge why they are accusing me that I am playing politics,” says the United St. Maarten Party (US) candidate.
“The other two property owners came to a public-private agreement with the Minister of VROMI where Government will provide the cement and they would provide the manpower. That was what was celebrated by the Minister of VROMI at the event that was held at the entrance of Valley Estate property on Wednesday with the other two property owners, instead of by the Gibbes-Hodge road entrance which the residents were using for over 20 years.
“I know there is a private dispute about the entrance of the road for years. And all I wanted is to find a solution and a win-win for everyone living in the area. I find the article very distasteful and very unfortunate for a good initiative by the other two property owners who are working in the general interest of the community.”
“I can remember as the former Minister of VROMI in 2014 when some residents of Weymouth hill came to my office very upset about how the developer ripped them off and he also declared himself bankrupt and if Government could do something because they don’t have the money to fix the road and the drainage areas. I could have turned my back because it’s a private dispute among property owners, but as a community-spirited person, I try to find solutions. I also contacted one of the Gibbes-Hodge family members to find a solution to the ongoing situation,” the MP said.
“It is sad that today one property owner writes an article to say I am playing politics when the other two property owners approach me and are ready to start fixing the road in the general interest of the residents in the area.
“I will advise the Minister to just start the public-private partnership of paving the road from the entrance of Valley Estate until the top by Prima Vista until the Gibbes-Hodge draft agreement has been finalized.
“We are all St. Maarteners, but we have to learn to come together and find solutions instead of trying to embarrass each other for no cause. I thank the other two property owners for coming to Government instead of Government going to them in the general interest and also contributing to the project, while others sit back and criticize and don't contribute anything,” says MP Lake.
MP Maurice Lake says article aimed to discredit good public-private initiative for the residents of Weymouth Hill.
