Citizens for Positive Change’ (CPC) has filed an objection letter against the proposed Simpson Bay Development Plan.
In 3 recent letters to the editor, CPC has argued against the proposed Simpson Bay Development Plan based on the 3 pillars of Sustainable Development, being from an Economic, Environmental and Social perspective.
The proposed expansion of the airport is not needed from a regulatory or capacity standpoint. Instead of expanding the airport for the sake of the parking of a few private jets during Christmas, the airport should facilitate growing the off-peak times in the summer to add an economic impulse to the regular slower months. The planned cruise pier, boardwalk and extra marina will add congestion to an already congested area and have severe and irreversible consequences for the Simpson Bay Lagoon and the historic nature of Simpson Bay village.
“CPC believes that in order to ensure the long-term viability of Sint Maarten’s economy, we must implement and enforce ways to encourage and stimulate economic growth while protecting the natural environment, improving the overall quality of life of residents and enhancing the on island experience of Sint Maarten’s many visitors”, according to CPC candidate Rueben Thompson.
CPC believes that any and all developments on Sint Maarten must take place in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. CPC therefore calls for general public access to all reports pertaining to the development of the Simpson Bay area. This covers economic and environmental reports. CPC also calls for a Social Cost Benefit Analysis (SCBA) and Social Impact Assessment. Then residents can make an informed decision about how to move forward. St. Maarten cannot afford to have these decisions placed in the hands of a chosen few without clear access to all available information. This is what CPC considers true transparency and only then will there be a comprehensive view of all the implications (pros and cons), not just for stakeholders, but for all residents in general.
