Grand Case: --- Members of the board of the L'Esperance Airport is calling on all airport users to settle their outstanding bills that are owned to the entity or face legal actions. Speaking at a press conference yesterday was president of the board Daniel Gibbs, and board members Guillaume Arnell and Jean-Philippe Richardson along with the directress Sabrina Charville. Gibbs said the airport is now a private entity and it is regrettable that they have to always approach the Collectivity for monies to upgrade as well as conducting the necessary repairs. He said since 2007 when he took office the board has been in discussion with the airport users as they were trying to convince them to pay their bills. Gibbs said the board as well as the directress has exhausted dialogues in trying to convince the users to make some type of financial arrangement with the airport but to date no one have responded to the calls of the airport board.
Gibbs said already the COM has committed close to 600,000 Euros for major repairs while airport users have a debt of 372,000 Euros which is impacting essential funds. Even though not naming anyone in particular Gibbs said even landing fees are not being paid by airlines.
"We cannot on the one hand say we want to be an autonomous airport, and at the same time always ask the Collectivity to provide us with more funds," Gibbs said
"There needs to be balance and people must understand that monies are needed for the daily functioning of the airport. If we are leasing space to users, they need to pay for the space they are utilizing." Gibbs explained. Furthermore, if these entrepreneurs are facing financial problems we can work out a plan but to ignore us is unacceptable.
Former General Councilor and member of the board Guillaume Arnell said he has been involved in the management of the airport for a number of years and he is fully aware of the situation. Arnell made clear he is part of the RRR party and he is part of the administrative board. "I am here because I want to make sure I take up my responsibilities for the development of the airport. I have decided to be on the commission so I can make sure the work that was done prior to the status change is not lost since I have the knowledge and experience of this airport." Arnell said even though they voted against the budget where there is monies allocated for major repairs at the airport he felt it is important for him to uphold his responsibilities. Concerning the financial problems facing the airport Arnell said the departure tax and other airport fees is the airport income which must be paid. He said the Airport cannot continue with the bad functioning. He said several persons have solicited the airport for space and today they are not responding to their financial obligation.
Arnell further explained the structure of the airport is too small and business people have to respect each other. He said while the vendors were given specific directions on what they are allowed to sell almost all of the vendors in the boutiques are selling the same items and any type of merchandize.. Due to this management of the airport would have to take the necessary measures to reinstate order. He also called on all airport users who are in arrears to come forward and regulate their financial obligation. Arnell further explained that there are people who have not paid their dues since 2006 and they as board as well as management have done everything possible to recuperate its monies amicably. "I need the population of St. Martin to understand that if these people are to be evicted based on the outcome of the legal actions; everything was done by the administration prior to reaching that stage." He said they have given everyone a chance to make sure the payments are made.
Arnell said this is not only affecting the functioning of the airport but it is also impacting the competences of the directress.
Gibbs said one of the fire trucks have broken down and monies are needed for the repairs. He said a company has filed bankruptcy and the board has to take a decision on what they would do with the employees.
Board member and territorial councilor Jean Phillipe Richardson said that they have done everything possible before reaching this stage. He said they invited each user where they explained to them the plans for the airport. He said while the people made several complaints on what is needed. He said they have made a conscious decision on taking legal action. He said the airport cannot continue to depend on the COM for monies while the airport is a private entity. Richardson said the friendly discussion is now over and they are going to proceed with legal action. He said defaulters have to come forward with their full payments. Richardson explained the users are making demands for upgrade but monies he said are needed for these projects. "We need the monies that are owed to the airport because monies are needed for the daily functioning". Richardson said.
