Philipsburg: --- Director of USONA Reginaldo Doran and leader of government William Marlin signed off four projects on Wednesday. Marlin in his opening statements said all four of the projects are being financed by the Dutch Government through USONA. He said the total costs for all four projects are to the tune of nine million guilders. Parties signed off the project that is geared at enhancing legal affairs department. Marlin said this department needs strengthening since they are the ones responsible for working and giving advice on the legislations for country St. Maarten.The project is expected to take at least 21 months before it is completed and would cost some 2.4 million guilders, the island government he said would be hiring three experienced persons in legal affairs. Marlin said the three new persons who are expected to be brought in from abroad would have the task of jump-starting the process; however, their time on St. Maarten would be on a short-term basis. Government he said would also hire four persons who recently graduated who would be hired on a long-term basis. Marlin said one of the tasks that would be given to those coming in is to train policy advisors in various departments for country St. Maarten.
The island leader also signed off the agreement, which is designed to secure as well as safeguard sensitive documents. Marlin said of the four projects this one is the smallest which would last about one year before it is completed. The cost for the project Marlin said costs 670,000 guilders.
The intention Marlin said is to build a conveyor system that would be used to transport documents such as passports.
Government also signed off on an educational project that is expected to last three years. Marlin said the project is geared at giving school drop outs a second chance in education. Marlin said there are several young people in the community who simply cannot find work because they are not qualified neither they do not have a skill or trade. Marlin said this project will not be attached to any single institution. Trainings for computer repairpersons (technicians) will be given since there is a market for such persons. The project he said will last for three years to the tune of 1.6 million guilders. Marlin said they are hoping that with this project several young persons who are not able to find work would be taken off the blocks. He said while one would hear that persons cannot find work, often time skilled labourers cannot be found. Marlin said this program would target young people between the ages of 16 to 24 years old. He urged the young men and women who are interested in computer training to get involved since this is the opportunity for them upgrade themselves. He said almost every home has computers and there is need for computer repairpersons. He said this training is not offered within the walls of the schools thus those interested should register. Coordinating this project is Drs. Angela Dekker.
The fourth agreement that was signed off on Wednesday is for the construction of 24 three-bedroom homes in Hope Estate. Marlin said there is a large demand for low-income homes. He said while the waiting list is long, government is doing all it can to build more low in-come homes. The island leader said the rent for a decent home surpasses people salaries and because of this several families are living in undesirable conditions. He said there are people who are paying over $1000 for a two-bedroom apartment. Marlin said the Hope Estate Project is mostly for persons who are earning minimum wage. Already the two bedroom apartments are almost complete and tenants would be able to move in by the first week of March. Marlin said government is also in discussion with one of the local banks for a commercial loan with a three percent interest rate so that they can build more three-bedroom homes. Marlin said there are families of five or six that are still living in one-bedroom homes and this he said is creating a social crisis. The island leader said he is of the opinion that when these homes are completed it would bring about a remedy to the current situation.
Marlin said one of the trends now seen in St. Maarten is subletting. He said there are persons from the Caribbean islands that are renting larger homes in residential areas but inside that house there are several families living only in bedrooms. "This is because people who come here to work cannot find affordable houses so they are forced to combine their income." Marlin said explained that because of high renting several persons are living in shacks or shantytowns. Government he said has embarked on building several low-income homes over the years in the hope of rectifying the situation.Marlin explained that there are people who need proper housing but they simply cannot afford the rents since renting depends on the supply and demand. The island leader said the 24 homes that would be constructed on high-rise on the land that was purchased since 1998. The Dutch government is said will be providing 4.4 million guilders while the island government 900.000 guilders. Marlin said based on the plans these homes will be completed in two years time.
