

MARIGOT–The public contract for the rehabilitation of Grand Case Boulevard has been completed, allowing resurfacing work to start at the end of January, President Daniel Gibbs disclosed on Monday during his New Year wishes speech held in Grand Case.
The work will be completed in time for the start of Les Mardis (Tuesdays) de Grand Case on February 5.
“I am personally committed to this, but I would like to point out that this is a temporary coating, since the Water Authority will have to carry out, within a few months, the sanitation in this area,” he added. “In this regard, I would like to salute the hoteliers, shopkeepers and restaurateurs in the Grand Case and Hope Estate area, who have redoubled their efforts in recent months to reopen their establishments and bring our territory back to life.”
The resurfacing is still good news for restaurateurs and the inhabitants of Grand Case.
Gibbs said delays have been caused by the Purchasing and Public Procurement Department becoming overwhelmed by the many contracts to be awarded in recent months. This considerably slowed down the start of public policies. But staffing has now been increased to unblock the situation.
In a change of format, Gibbs is taking his New Year message to all four districts, presenting a “tailor-made” speech to suit each district.
“I have often been criticised for going less often to the field, for having moved away from you. Believe me, I regret it, because you know how much I like to be in contact with my fellow citizens. 2018 and the challenges of reconstruction pushed me to other obligations, it was necessary to defend St. Martin, but this year I would like to be more attentive to your needs, consult you more often.
“This is my 2019 resolution: 2019 will be – and I say this with determination – a year of achievements and concretisations of our ambitions.”
He said he acknowledged that many have the impression that things are not moving fast enough, admitting that he shared this frustration with the population.
“I think everyone has now understood what is holding back reconstruction: first of all, the lack of financial resources in both the public and private sectors, the soaring cost of reconstruction, which forces our citizens to wait until they find the budget to carry out their project, and as far as public services are concerned – State as well as Collectivité – the downsizing of services and lack of experienced managers to carry out this intense phase of reconstruction.
“To listen to some, nothing is going well in St. Martin. I can’t let that be said, especially when those who convey these untruths are precisely those who were in business a few years ago and who didn’t come through with their achievements. Not everything is perfect by any means, but everyone can see the significant progress made in recent months. Reconstruction is underway and it shows. “
The Territorial Archives and Heritage Departments has been asked to work on a programme to restore the old buildings of Grand Case, those along the boulevard that were once the pride of the village. However, there must be a strong will from the landowners. A census of owners was therefore carried out last year.
“We now know what type of system can be applied for this programme, but we still have to decide on the method to ensure that these renovation works are carried out quickly,” Gibbs pointed out.
In other projects for Grand Case, the former Elie Gibs school will be transformed into a Maison des Associations. Built on two levels, the main building will offer a large 80-square-metre meeting room on the first floor, as well as an exhibition room on the ground floor.
Associations of the sector will be able to occupy this space sized to their needs. A new building at the back will provide associations and the District Council with dedicated spaces. The presence of the territorial police will be renewed in a small annex building.
The first stone will be laid in the first half of 2019. The financing of this project amounts to 2.5 million euros with a grant of 2 million euros from the Exceptional State Investment Fund.
“This is a considerable effort and I thank the Préfète and her services for the significant support provided by the State for this project,” Gibbs continued. “It is also a question of redesigning the public space in Grand Case. This project is being carried out concurrently with the sanitation and drinking water works that will be carried out over the next 18 months. Among the priorities, project management work has been launched for the total renovation of the boulevard and the central car park.”
At the end of the village, the Collectivité is in the process of completely rebuilding the Plateau Sportif of La Savane. Sports associations and young people in the sector will be able to take advantage of this new, fully-equipped infrastructure, which will be delivered in February.
A dedicated vehicle parking area will be created in the adjoining area that serves the sports field, a school and a post office. Fifty parking spaces will be built on a fully paved area. The Collectivité also plans to create a “street workout” sports area and a closed public space in this area to accommodate seniors for their leisure activities.
As for the former Cultural Centre, demolition of the building will be carried out this year replaced by a new building by 2020, which will house an innovative structure dedicated to the promotion of St. Martin’s art and cuisine.
Plans for La Savane include the construction of a new College for 900 students, construction of a sports centre to replace the Galisbay Sports Hall and the creation of a medical and social centre to house the socio-medical facilities that are sorely needed in St. Martin.
“As I said, 2019 must be a year of achievements. 2018 allowed us to launch reconstruction projects, both public and private, and to prepare the foundations for economic development. This work is done and we must now go ahead and start building new projects. We have worked tirelessly to accomplish these goals and I know that together we will succeed,” Gibbs said.
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The work will be completed in time for the start of Les Mardis (Tuesdays) de Grand Case on February 5.
“I am personally committed to this, but I would like to point out that this is a temporary coating, since the Water Authority will have to carry out, within a few months, the sanitation in this area,” he added. “In this regard, I would like to salute the hoteliers, shopkeepers and restaurateurs in the Grand Case and Hope Estate area, who have redoubled their efforts in recent months to reopen their establishments and bring our territory back to life.”
The resurfacing is still good news for restaurateurs and the inhabitants of Grand Case.
Gibbs said delays have been caused by the Purchasing and Public Procurement Department becoming overwhelmed by the many contracts to be awarded in recent months. This considerably slowed down the start of public policies. But staffing has now been increased to unblock the situation.
In a change of format, Gibbs is taking his New Year message to all four districts, presenting a “tailor-made” speech to suit each district.
“I have often been criticised for going less often to the field, for having moved away from you. Believe me, I regret it, because you know how much I like to be in contact with my fellow citizens. 2018 and the challenges of reconstruction pushed me to other obligations, it was necessary to defend St. Martin, but this year I would like to be more attentive to your needs, consult you more often.
“This is my 2019 resolution: 2019 will be – and I say this with determination – a year of achievements and concretisations of our ambitions.”
He said he acknowledged that many have the impression that things are not moving fast enough, admitting that he shared this frustration with the population.
“I think everyone has now understood what is holding back reconstruction: first of all, the lack of financial resources in both the public and private sectors, the soaring cost of reconstruction, which forces our citizens to wait until they find the budget to carry out their project, and as far as public services are concerned – State as well as Collectivité – the downsizing of services and lack of experienced managers to carry out this intense phase of reconstruction.
“To listen to some, nothing is going well in St. Martin. I can’t let that be said, especially when those who convey these untruths are precisely those who were in business a few years ago and who didn’t come through with their achievements. Not everything is perfect by any means, but everyone can see the significant progress made in recent months. Reconstruction is underway and it shows. “
The Territorial Archives and Heritage Departments has been asked to work on a programme to restore the old buildings of Grand Case, those along the boulevard that were once the pride of the village. However, there must be a strong will from the landowners. A census of owners was therefore carried out last year.
“We now know what type of system can be applied for this programme, but we still have to decide on the method to ensure that these renovation works are carried out quickly,” Gibbs pointed out.
In other projects for Grand Case, the former Elie Gibs school will be transformed into a Maison des Associations. Built on two levels, the main building will offer a large 80-square-metre meeting room on the first floor, as well as an exhibition room on the ground floor.
Associations of the sector will be able to occupy this space sized to their needs. A new building at the back will provide associations and the District Council with dedicated spaces. The presence of the territorial police will be renewed in a small annex building.
The first stone will be laid in the first half of 2019. The financing of this project amounts to 2.5 million euros with a grant of 2 million euros from the Exceptional State Investment Fund.
“This is a considerable effort and I thank the Préfète and her services for the significant support provided by the State for this project,” Gibbs continued. “It is also a question of redesigning the public space in Grand Case. This project is being carried out concurrently with the sanitation and drinking water works that will be carried out over the next 18 months. Among the priorities, project management work has been launched for the total renovation of the boulevard and the central car park.”
At the end of the village, the Collectivité is in the process of completely rebuilding the Plateau Sportif of La Savane. Sports associations and young people in the sector will be able to take advantage of this new, fully-equipped infrastructure, which will be delivered in February.
A dedicated vehicle parking area will be created in the adjoining area that serves the sports field, a school and a post office. Fifty parking spaces will be built on a fully paved area. The Collectivité also plans to create a “street workout” sports area and a closed public space in this area to accommodate seniors for their leisure activities.
As for the former Cultural Centre, demolition of the building will be carried out this year replaced by a new building by 2020, which will house an innovative structure dedicated to the promotion of St. Martin’s art and cuisine.
Plans for La Savane include the construction of a new College for 900 students, construction of a sports centre to replace the Galisbay Sports Hall and the creation of a medical and social centre to house the socio-medical facilities that are sorely needed in St. Martin.
“As I said, 2019 must be a year of achievements. 2018 allowed us to launch reconstruction projects, both public and private, and to prepare the foundations for economic development. This work is done and we must now go ahead and start building new projects. We have worked tirelessly to accomplish these goals and I know that together we will succeed,” Gibbs said.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/84704-boulevard-of-grand-case-to-be-resurfaced-by-end-of-january
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