Philipsburg: --- Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards may have a lot of explaining to do to the people of St. Maarten or maybe law enforcement officers if an investigation is opened to determine his involvement with Olzina NV.At the island council meeting convened on Monday to discuss the appeal filed by Olzina NV, leader of government William Marlin opened the Pandora's box when he informed the council that Richards allegedly said someone forged his signature when he signed documents pertaining to the building permit that was requested by the developer for additional floors.
Marlin said one would want to know that if in fact someone forged the governor's signature why he did not request an investigation be conducted by the prosecutor's office. The island leader said he later learned that Richards retracted those statements and it was said that Richards probably signed the documents by mistake. Marlin said another turn of events was that the governor even visited the work site in Cay Hill and he did not instruct ROB to issue a building stop even though the developer did not have the required permits. Furthermore, the governor's cabinet Marlin said ordered general affairs to send all documents pertaining to Olzina NV directly to his cabinet instead of it going to the executive council.
Marlin said he does not know if the documents they have are all the documents that relates to the request filed by the developer. Also questioning the statements of forged signature was island councilman Louie Laveist who said that he wished Richards was the one chairing the island council meeting on Monday because the people has a right to know. Laveist also asked the chair that if any member of the council is directly involved with the businessman or the company that is being discussed by the council if they are entitled to vote. It appears that the island councilman was indicating that there might be some sort of conflict of interest taking place and that would question the integrity of the council. Already it has been determined that an island council member is doing business with the developer who is renting tour bus licenses from the council member.
Marlin said a number of mistakes were made when the file for Olzina NV was handled beginning since 2007. He asked if the island council should continue to cover up the wrong doings of the other members of the council. He said it would have been good if island council members were called to pay for the mistakes they made. Marlin further explained that those that handled the processing of the building permit mislead the developer who went to court to force the council to make a decision. The court is expected to rule on July 28th. Should the council not take a decision then they can be fined by the judge to pay Naf, 2.500 per day to a maximum of Naf. 5000.00
Split Executive Council.
Caretaker commissioner who holds the ROB portfolio in his presentation explained to the council that a number of mistakes were made when handling the requests of Olzina NV. However, Heyliger wants the council to grant Olzina its variance permit with an added condition that Olzina NV submits and carries out all beautification-greenery plan, which will be subjected to approval by VROM. While the other members of the executive council feels that the island council should admit the appeal of Olzina as admissible but deny them the permit based on a decision taken by the executive council. Marlin said it is ridiculous for the commissioner in charge of Public Works to submit such a proposal when he voted in favor of denying the variance permit on October 20th 2009. Marlin further explained that he was not even present in the meeting when the council took the decision. He said the developer was informed of the council's decision on October 29th after which he proceeded to court.
The members of the executive council clearly indicated that the council was split when they discussed the variance permit on Vorst Estate in the Little Bay area submitted by Olzina NV. Leader of government William Marlin said while the council has different opinions based on the amount of mistakes made with the handling of the file. He said it is his firm belief that that a judge should rule on the case that is presently before the court of First Instance. Marlin described the Vorst Estate file as "unusual case which has been dragging on for years now. "Granting the permit now would be setting bad precedence especially since St Maarten has a bad report card. Marlin said the island has promised to go forward clean. He said the majority of the members in the executive council who were present when the legal experts gave their advice have decided not to grant the variance permit and to let the courts decide.
The Democratic Party leader Sarah Wescot Williams asked that the two proposals be provided to her faction prior to any decision taken by the council. Wescott Williams also asked for clarification as to the current executive council. She said she wants more explanation on the majority and minority in the executive council.
Theo Votes against the Denial of Variance Permit.
Despite the pleadings of Marlin the council members of the island council was clearly split when they voted. Members of the council voted in favor of one part of the proposal submitted by the executive council which is to admit the appeal submitted by Olzina NV. However, when it came down to second point which was to deny the variance permit there was a hung vote since the members of the Democratic Party and caretaker commissioner Theo Heyliger voted against the denial.
The council it is said will be voting on this issue again on Wednesday. Clearly the members of the Democratic Party and independent member of the island councilor Theo Heyliger were looking into ways to clean up the mess they created some years ago regarding the granting of the building permit and the letters sent to the developer telling him that they would grant his permit. Listening to the entire proceedings on Monday was the developer Sameer Andramos and his attorney Cor Merx.
