The Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake says he has already had a preliminary study drafted by Lievense with respect to a ‘Market in the Park’ and an area for ‘Multi-purpose Development."
The ‘Market in the Park’ entails the creation of a central marketplace comprising of local arts and crafts, a culinary restaurant where the training of hospitality students can continue to take place, a fresh produce market of agriculture, fish and fruits, and a food court for vendors opposite the John Larmonie Center.
"As I stated before, the establishment of a Sint Maarten Organic Market in a centrally located area where produce can be sold is now becoming more of a reality as a location has been found along the Ring Road.
"At the same time we are bringing the food trucks that are located in an ad-hoc manner all over to one central area and the same can be said about the food stalls that sell provisions. More organization is being brought into play," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Monday.
The remaining area adjacent to the marketplace would be a multi-purpose area that would house the following local institutions after the Air Lekkerbek Restaurant: Chamber of Commerce & Industry, General Pension Fund St. Maarten, St. Maarten Small Business Development Foundation, St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association, Multi-purpose Building, Arts & Crafts and the Market in the Park.
"The approach is about taking care of our own by putting things in place where our children can also do business in the future. The allocation of land to the different organizations that serve our community is essential where it concerns accessibility and easy to do business.
"We need to start thinking country and putting a structure in place for the future instead of just focusing on self. This entire project places prime emphasis on institutions that serve the community and some of them have done so for many years.
"I respect the previous decisions made by others in government, but I will make decisions that are in the best interest of the people and the country and for the next generation," Minister Maurice Lake pointed out on Monday.