Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
CAY HILL--Government is now the owner of prime real estate in Cay Hill. The final payments for the Vorst land were approved by the Marcel Gumbs Cabinet last week Thursday. The land is being registered by the notary as Government's property.
The land was first negotiated as a lease by former Minister William Marlin. When now-former Minister Maurice Lake took office after Marlin he renegotiated for government to purchase the land for some US $5.5 million. That deal was wrought with controversy, spawning several Parliament meetings and heated debates about the cost of the land.
Government has not yet determined how it will use the land.
Lake had described the land as prime land for a multi-purpose light manufacturing complex that would include a sewing centre, calling centre and mechanical shop to make traffic signs and other things the country needs.
Lake, now a Member of Parliament, said in May that the plans also would include an area to build affordable social housing for young professionals coming back home from their studies.
