Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) Patrice Gumbs has moved to clarify his role in the Simpson Bay grape tree incident, clarifying that the foundational land and permit decisions connected to the matter were made before his tenure in office.
During a recent session of Parliament, Minister Gumbs responded to claims by former Minister
of VROMI and current Member of Parliament Egbert Doran, who suggested the Minister had
given the land to the current owners in 2025. Minister Gumbs firmly rejected that
characterization.
The parcel of land on the beach where the grape tree now stands again, referenced as deed 205 of
2022, was issued in long lease for the first time by then-Minister Doran. The purpose recorded in
that deed was for garden use. Minister Gumbs’ involvement in 2025 was strictly limited to the
administrative transfer of the right of long lease of the already-existing parcels. He did not create
new development rights, grant new land, or issue any new building permission.
The building permit for the relevant parcel, issued in 2023, was also signed by then-Minister
Doran, not by Minister Gumbs. The land was requested, measured by the Cadaster, and the
relevant documentation issued in 2023, all under the previous administration. Minister Gumbs
has not signed any building permit related to this matter.
Minister Gumbs acknowledged that he did sign a document in 2025, but stressed that it must be
understood within the full legal and administrative chain that preceded it. His signature
concerned the transfer of two parcels that had already been created through earlier decisions, it
did not constitute a new approval to develop the area or authorize any tree removal. The Minister
further noted that once land has been properly deeded and a permit has completed the required
review process, a Minister cannot arbitrarily halt or reverse that process without solid legal
grounds.
While Minister Gumbs acknowledged that the boundary line of the original parcel ran through
the location of the tree, he was unequivocal: the tree did not have to be removed. The Ministry of
VROMI had communicated this clearly with those involved approximately two weeks prior,
when excavation works were being discussed. What occurred on the ground was inconsistent
with what had been agreed, which is why the Ministry immediately issued a stop order.
Minister Gumbs confirmed that the tree has since been placed back upright. The contractor was
brought back, additional support was secured, and the Ministry supported the community where
possible to ensure the tree was properly restored. “This tree represents far more than just a
physical object,” said Minister Gumbs, extending his gratitude to all who responded and assisted.
Minister Gumbs used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to stronger
environmental and land use governance. The Ministry is actively working to hire additional
inspectors, improve the functioning of the Permits Department, and develop more robust legal
instruments to protect environmentally sensitive areas, including Mullet Bay and the coastline.
The Ministry is also incorporating Parliament’s motion on coastal and environmental protection
into a broader ongoing zoning effort.