Cole Bay:--- United Peoples (UP) party Member of Parliament (MP) Jules James on Wednesday stated he is very pleased that the UP Leader and Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure Theo Heyliger, continues to demonstrate his commitment to fulfill his promises made during election time with respect to the development of the islands communities."Personally speaking, I too have made some promises to the residents of Cole Bay and Cape Bay, and I will make every effort to have these delivered to the aforementioned communities. The residents of both communities will see some infrastructural improvements taking place in their community within the coming weeks which is necessary and long overdue. It is a start and there will be much more in the months and years to come," UP MP Jules James pointed out on Wednesday.
James added that he is looking forward to members of the community coming out to the Town Hall Meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 5 at Carl's Unique Inn Conference Room to learn more about the project works. The Town Hall Meeting is being organized by the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure.
"These town hall settings are essential to bring the people and government officials together to learn more about the positive developments for their community. It is an opportunity to address issues related to the project and to also make suggestions.
"This type of engagement is necessary as Sint Maarten moves forward. Together we have to build our country and the communities of Cole Bay and Cape Bay. Additional investments will need to be made in road resurfacing, sewage and drainage issues, proper street lighting and sidewalks.
"These are essential to the quality of life. People don't want dust constantly flying into their homes due to unpaved roads. The people don't want open sewage running on the street creating a health hazard for the neighborhood.
"The people want street lights that will light up the area and create safe neighborhoods to walk in and around rather than having to walk along the road fearing to be struck down by a car. There are also many young people living in Cole Bay and Cape Bay communities. They need proper youth and sporting facilities where they can go and occupy themselves during their spare time after school.
"These are some of the things that I would like to see addressed and the UP will address them over time. As they say, Rome was not built in one day, and we can't expect to do everything all at once. I wish we could, but as we all know, public finances won't permit that at this point in time, however, we will prevail," UP MP Jules James said on Wednesday.
