PHILIPSBURG:--- Dr. Nilda Arduin, an expert on Timeshare, presented her thesis, which was published in the Netherlands in 1993, to the Minister of TEATT, Mr. Claret Connor.
Dr. Arduin, a legal specialist on timeshare, is internationally known for her work and expertise on the legal aspects of timesharing. As a lawyer she has been consulted and advised governments, developers and timeshare owners on legal issues pertaining to the timeshare industry.
In 1995 she advised the government of Sint Maarten during the very difficult period of the Pelican Resort debacle just before Hurricane Luis hit Sint Maarten. She has chaired a Timeshare Advisory Council (TAC) installed by government in the nineties. The TAC presented various reports to government, advising on regulation to improve and ensure consumer protection. Many of her recommendations included in her thesis are reflected in the amendments introduced in the Civil Code to organize timesharing, as well as efforts made on Sint Maarten to regulate the industry.
Dr. Arduin applauds the draft law to improve consumer protection, however government control regarding the state of the resorts in the area of hygiene, product quality and safety can proceed without additional legislation. Transparency regarding ownership of the property and supervising contractual conditions in accordance with the "Vergunningenlandsverordening," which became applicable in February 2013, is required.
Involving consumers' representation in the talks pertaining to legislation is considered a valid request according to Dr. Arduin.
