Early repairs to the Government Guesthouse in May 2017.
EUSTATIUS–Commissioner Marcolino “Mike” Franco, Deputy Government Commissioner Mervyn Stegers, Acting Island Secretary Malvern Dijkshoorn-Lopes and Governor’s Secretary Millicent Romney-Lijfrock have relocated to the Government Guesthouse located on Fort Oranje Straat.
The Public Entity of St. Eustatius indicated that effective immediately the Government Guesthouse will be their new office location.
The staff of the office of the Island Secretary and part of the Governor’s cabinet will remain at Government Administration building, located at Van Tonnigeweg.
In 2017, the Historical Government Guesthouse underwent restoration work after several accidents occurred at the location due to the deteriorating condition of the building.
After October 10, 2010, several properties that were owned by the Netherlands Antilles were transferred to the Dutch Government. The Government Guesthouse was one of these properties. Fort Oranje, Godet House and Voges House were also transferred.
The Dutch Government made funding available to preserve several historical landmarks. The Government Guesthouse was the first project that was restored.
SMD Architects and Consultants carried out the preparations and the contract was awarded to contractors J and P Enterprises (John Patrick) and D & R Enterprises. De Jong Construction supervised the work on the site.
The Guesthouse received new roof shingles, repair of doors and windows as well as a replacement of rotten shutters, repairs to the balconies and repairs to the first floor. Besides the Guesthouse, Ocean View Terrace restaurant which is located on the historic grounds of the Guest House was also renovated. The intention is to continue restoration of the other buildings on the guesthouse premises and the other historical buildings in Fort Oranje. Bredeweg, as well as the Voges House are expected to undergo repairs after the completion of the main building on the Guesthouse compound.
The Government Guesthouse in October 2018.
The Government Guesthouse in November 2018.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/83119-commissioners-relocate-to-government-guesthouse
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