PHILIPSBURG: --- During Thursday’s second draft budget debate, Member of Parliament (MP) Darryl York addressed Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten on the protracted delays and controversies surrounding the Marketplace construction project. His remarks shed light on the various hurdles the project has faced, uncovering discrepancies in communication, procedural compliance, and design execution.
Initial vs. Revised Designs
MP York highlighted significant differences between the project’s original design and its revised version, questioning how such drastic changes could proceed without a new tender. The original plan featured 64 small, tiki-style huts constructed from lightweight materials on a simple concrete slab. By contrast, the revised design proposed a massive, reinforced structure featuring a 55-meter-long solid concrete roof. York expressed astonishment that the bill of quantities — which outlines the materials and costs for construction — could remain the same despite such a stark transformation in architectural demands.
"It is clear to anyone knowledgeable in construction that these are entirely different structures," York stated. He challenged the claim that no new tender procedure was necessary, as the drastic design overhaul required a fundamentally new approach to materials, labor, and cost considerations.
Lack of a New Tender
The absence of a new tender was a recurring theme in York’s address. He argued that omitting this step not only raised procedural red flags but also cast doubt on the project’s financial and structural integrity. By bypassing the tendering process, the government effectively sidelined public accountability and transparency, according to York. "This sets a concerning precedent when engaging contractors or altering approved designs," he remarked.
Communication Between Ministries
A critical issue brought up during the session was the lack of seamless communication between the Ministry of TEATT and the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI). York revealed that emails exchanged over the past year between the two ministries included unresolved requests for critical documents, such as soil tests and revised construction calculations. These requests were deemed essential by VROMI to ensure that the revised design could withstand future potential modifications, such as adding a second floor.
York expressed frustration over the ministries’ inability to coordinate effectively, highlighting that these lapses had caused further delays in the project. He also pointed out mixed signals, with blame being allegedly shifted between ministries instead of fostering collaboration. The request left unanswered was the request for advice that was drafted for the procurement of the architect for the new design. Given the fact that VROMI was not consulted during the process, and questioned the deliverables of the contract between TEATT and the architect
Concerns About Sustainability and Safety
York used the debate floor to emphasize the importance of sustainable and safe construction practices. He pointed to recent comments suggesting that VROMI’s insistence on soil tests and foundational integrity checks was perceived as unnecessary obstacles rather than prudent measures. He questioned this attitude, arguing that robust groundwork is crucial for building long-term, sustainable structures.
He drew parallels to a past decision involving the John Lamonnie Center, where enhanced foundational investments enabled future expansion. "Skipping foundational steps might speed up short-term outcomes, but it risks compromising safety and future utility," York warned, implicitly criticizing the current approach to the Marketplace project.
To underline his point, York referenced a recent construction failure in Dominica, where an auditorium collapsed due to poor construction practices. Such incidents, he argued, underline the potential dangers of cutting corners in the pursuit of speed or cost savings.
Broader Implications
York’s address revealed broader implications of the Marketplace debacle, raising questions about governance, accountability, and the government’s stated commitment to sustainability. He noted that while the minister had assured progress by the end of June, significant uncertainties remain, including the status of the required building permit for the revised design.
"Skipping steps doesn’t just delay a project — it invites long-term problems," York asserted. He emphasized that unless the government rectifies its approach, the Marketplace project risks becoming a model of mismanagement, thereby undermining public confidence in future infrastructure initiatives.
Closing Thoughts
MP Darryl York’s commentary on the Marketplace construction project offers a sobering reflection on the consequences of inadequate planning, poor inter-ministerial communication, and bypassed processes. His calls for greater transparency, adherence to procedural standards, and a focus on long-term sustainability underscore a need for more responsible governance in public infrastructure projects. Only time will tell whether these critiques will prompt meaningful change or become yet another . "Skipping steps doesn’t just delay a project — it invites long-term problems," York asserted. He emphasized that unless the government rectifies its approach, the Marketplace project risks becoming a model of mismanagement, thereby undermining public confidence in future infrastructure initiatives.
