Philipsburg:--- Proprietor of Bobby's Marina Bobby Velasquez confirmed that a court case he initiated against the government of St. Maarten will be heard on Friday. Velasquez said he started this court case some two years ago but government has been asking for postponement each time and they have refused to respond to the letters his lawyers sent them. However, the lawyers representing the government of St. Maarten have already indicated to the lawyers representing Bobby's Marina that they want another postponement.
To listen to the interview, select the audio from the list below:
Velasquez said he bought a property belonging to Risdon some two years ago for 1.1million dollars. The former proprietors he said sold him their long lease rights which was Naf.0.85 per square meter. "The judge already ruled that the island government has to honor the long lease for said property. When I bought that property I built exactly what was on the property which was a gas station, a warehouse and an office space. To my surprise when government billed me they charged me Naf.10.00 per square meter and the property I bought is 1900 square meters. I received a bill for Naf 20.000" Velasquez explained.
The CEO of Bobby's Marina further explained that he did not lease any land from government, instead the owners of Risdon sold him their sixty (60-years) long lease rights. He said when he received his first bill he went to see the former head of ROB Joseph Dollison who said what was done was not right. Velasquez further explained that he is of the opinion that the head of Domain Affairs Marieke Van Zadelhof took it on her own to bill him that way simply because he believes she is involved in politics. The CEO said it appears that someone was trying to be mischievous when they billed him ridicously.
Velasquez further explained that his neighbors bought properties from the same owners and they have added on to their property but they are paying far less than him. Asked if he knew how much his neighbors are paying, the businessman said he did not have the figure but he is sure that they are paying less. He further explained that if government increased the fees to their long lease then it is understandable because the new owners added more buildings on the property.
Velasquez also responded to the comments that are on SMN News alleging that he owned the properties by the Red Cross in Simpson Bay. "The property where the marina is located belongs to the Red Cross I am paying them a rent of $3000 per month. The Red Cross needed monies to keep them afloat. Furthermore the property next to Duedeck I bought it for half of a million dollars ($500.000). I am also of the opinion that government will look to increase the long lease for that property also."
Velasquez also addressed some of the comments on SMN News regarding his detention and alleged rape or inappropriate touching of a minor that was related to him. The businessman made clear that he was detained for questioning and has never been indicted or convicted. He said people need to allow the judicial process to take its course and not mix apples with oranges when it comes to him or the businesses he owns. Velasquez said he was treated like everyone else when the case was being investigated meaning he spent the maximum amount of time behind bars as the prosecutor and police conduct their investigations.
