PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism Claret Connor on Wednesday assured timeshare owners in general that their grievances and complaints of lack of protection have not fallen on deaf ears and their continued contribution to the economy is very important to destination St. Maarten. The Minister sympathized with disgruntled former Caravanserai owners and used the opportunity to set in motion serious discussions about protecting the vital timeshare industry.
He said though government knows and appreciates the industry and its players, legislation must reflect protection measures for the industry. "The impression that some of our timeshare owners has that government does not care is unfortunate. Government on the other hand must look at the industry as a priority area that needs addressing. We cannot think we will be able to sustain the industry if the stakeholders of the industry feel that their investments are not secure," the Minister said.
Minister Connor wants a better and in-depth understanding about the sales structure of timeshare properties and/or affiliates operating on St. Maarten and is exploring ways to gather this information accurately and efficiently.
He also mentioned reviewing the draft legislation to amend the civil code to include certain specific aspects related to the timeshare industry as submitted to Parliament by former Member of Parliament Leroy DeWeever.
With significant input from Professor Jan de Boer and other experts and timeshare stakeholders, the "bottom line" intent of the law is to establish consumer protection where a long-term relationship is developed with the consumer. In other words, to establish protection applicable to a consumer's long-term relationship with a commercial entity that has control of the accommodations which are part of a timeshare property.
The in-depth piece of legislation includes in detail, but is not limited to, the developer's obligations, the contract between parties, roles of the managing entity, focus on the termination or suspension of the rights of a user of a timeshare license, advertising and sales, timeshare resale and so on.
