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PHILIPSBURG--Government has been offered the Vorst land in Cay Hill for US $1 million less by the heirs to the property. This now puts the purchase price at US $4.5 million.
Caretaker Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams said the Council of Ministers has not taken a decision on whether to accept the offer. Her preference is to leave the offer for the incoming cabinet to make a decision.
Outgoing Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure VROMI Minister Maurice Lake had come under much fire for opting to purchase the land, instead of following an earlier proposal with the heirs for government to lease land.
The purchase price was higher than the lease price. Lake's argument was an outright purchase would save government in the long run.
The land is envisioned for mixed-use with affordable housing for young professionals and small commercial ventures. Those ventures included a sewing centre that was heavily pushed by former independent Member of Parliament Patrick Illidge.
The outgoing cabinet is "striving to finalise the purchase of Plantations Industry and Golden Rock (commonly called Emilio Wilson Estate). The acquisition of the land is "in the final stages."
The purchase of the land was approved in the amendments to the 2014 budget in September. A loan was secured for the purchase after the amendment was ratified by Parliament.
