Artist’s impression of the Marketplace by the Ministry of VROMI and TEATT.
KIM SHA–The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) and the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI have decided to close the temporary vending outlets at the Kim Sha beach marketplace in preparation for the planned improvement project for that area.
TEATT Minister Stuart Johnson informed Parliament of his intention during last week’s 2019 budget debate. Johnson said on Monday that the decision had not been an easy one as it regards several individuals’ livelihoods.
He held discussions with the vendors in Simpson Bay and Philipsburg earlier this year and gave them an impression of what was planned. TEATT and VROMI intend to build hurricane-resistant, modern and attractive structures.
Both Johnson and VROMI Minister Miklos Giterson explained that the intention was to work on finding an alternative location for vending during the time of the construction project for both Kim Sha beach’s parking lot and Philipsburg. The temporary location was created based on the need to accommodate cruise passengers, as there was severe damage to Orient Beach and Great Bay beach, post-Hurricane Irma.
In a letter sent to the vendors explaining the motivation for the decision not to extend their vending permits, which expired at the end of June, Johnson said the original intention was to create a village of local food and beverages to give cruise and stayover visitors an authentic experience during the day and early evening hours.
He noted that he had received several complaints regarding how some vendors managed their booths; charges including loud noise, hygiene concerns and extended opening hours without prior authorisation, in violation of their vending permits.
“The intention was never for the marketplace to act as a late-night hangout, especially considering the current issue of noise pollution in the Simpson Bay area and government’s attempts to mitigate such pollution. It is for this reason that a ban was placed on loud music and a closing time of 10:00pm was implemented for the Kim Sha marketplace,” Johnson said.
He said that “unfortunately” the project had experienced unexpected setbacks from its onset, prior to his taking office.
“Due to the lack of budgeted funds to execute the enhancement/beautification plans for the area, coupled with the numerous violations by permit holders and complaints by residents and visitors in the Pelican and Simpson Bay areas, the government of St. Maarten had to make the difficult decision to discontinue this project in its current form.”
He said the vision is to build hurricane-resistant structures with a Caribbean flavour, “enabling others the opportunity to gain from the possibility of an economic opportunity.”
Once the new facilities are constructed, vendors will have to adhere to strict rules governing their operation. Johnson said the concern that some have over inspectors and police targeting market vendors was based on misinformation.
“When it comes to noise pollution and the disruption of the otherwise pleasant experience of our visitors on whom we depend for economic activity, no business is exempt from controls,” said Johnson.
He said inspectors conduct routine checks to see how many decibels of noise is produced by the various sound systems throughout St. Maarten. Police officers are also called regularly to different areas on the island where either residents or business owners are alleged to be causing a nuisance by playing loud music. Johnson said the TEATT Ministry control officers have a clear mandate.
Where it concerns police officers who may from time to time close businesses found to be violating the law, Johnson said, “The police are just doing their jobs. If the police get complaints about loud noise coming from these vendors after certain hours and find that the permits in their possession do not allow them to open at that hour, the decision is within the purview of the police and Justice Department to determine that the vendor must close,” said Johnson.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/88784-kim-sha-marketplace-to-be-closed-to-make-way-for-future-construction
View comments
Hide comments