PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake prior to the holidays met with representatives of the Cay Hill Community Council.
Minister Lake said the meeting went well and that it was a follow-up meeting after the district walk-through that was done in November.
"I shared my vision and plan of action at a board meeting that I was invited to attend. The plans entail the upgrading and beautification of Cay Hill once the 2014 national budget is approved.
"The funds that have been allocated in the national budget include the repair of sidewalks and the drainage system. The plans include the upgrading of the basketball court for the young people in the district and to assist with the development of a community center in the district," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Thursday.
Community council board members pointed to the necessity of bus stops on the main road in Cay Hill especially for seniors in the district.
Minister Lake whose back to basics includes the improvement in the quality of life for senior citizens says that the aforementioned matter he would discuss with his colleague Minister of Transportation Hon. Ted Richardson about the matter.
Lake and the reps also discussed brighter street lights and abandoned car wrecks in the district; and residents parking on the side of the road instead of in their yards. The latter the council plans on addressing with residents.
"I am looking forward for the New Year to start upgrading and beautifying Cay Hill for the residents and young people. I also challenge the Community Council to continue to do their part and to organize educational and social events for the youths and residents of Cay Hill.
"The districts are the cornerstones of country Sint Maarten. If you don't have strong and healthy districts, this then reflects upon your economy with all the negatives such as crime, neglect and no pride.
"My back to basics approach is all about community and district improvement and the quality of life of all our people. We have to start at the bottom and move up.
"I would like to take this opportunity to commend Community Police Officer Henson for doing a great job in his district where law and order is concerned and working closely with his community in order to accomplish positive things," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Thursday.
