Commissioner William Marlin
William Marlin:
1. When will the project be completed?
The planned completion of the construction, which includes the furnishing of the building, infrastructure, all ICT and technical installations is the end of 2009, barring any unforeseen delays.
2. How much has been paid and what is still to be done?
The information pertaining to all contracts and assignments commissioned in connection with the new administration building were previously provided. These contracts are for the largest part complete and paid up, with the exception of the agreement with RGM. The payment period for this agreement is 16 years.
3. Explain the meaning of the sentence pertaining to the compensatory purchase price, which should have been paid at the end of the period of 16 years.
It was never agreed that the amount of US$ 344,640 as compensatory purchase price would be paid at the end of the term of BOOT payment of 16 years. Based on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd adgenda to the Development Agreement with RGM, all of which were handled and approved in public meetings of the Island Council, including lastly in December of 2007 with the handling of the 3rd addendum, it was agreed that the compensatory purchase would be paid at the beginning of the BOOT payment term. The 3rd addendum specifically states that the compensatory purchase price would be paid before January 5th 2008 and it was accordingly paid around January 1st 2008. It is noted that by paying the compensatory purchase price at the beginning of the BOOT payment term the price could be kept at the mentioned amount of US$ 344,640, instead of an amount in the millions of dollars.
4. Is there a search for a new financier for the building?
The Government currently has no intentions to seek a new financier for the building; It is the intention to continue with the Development Agreement with RGM and to complete the responsibilities of the Island Territory, as mentioned as the additional works in the information previously provided.
Commissioner Roy Marlin
Frans Richardson:
5. What is the report in the hands of the Executive Council regarding the building?
It is not know what report the Councilman is referring to. As stated in the information provided, an independent consultant will be commissioned to evaluate the legitimacy of any claims by the contractor as a result of any delays. The cost of this report is estimated around ANG 5,000.
6. How have the monies from the inception been used for this building.
This information is provided in the detailed list of companies engaged for services and the assignment letters of which copies have also bee provided.
7. Can the IC be provided with detailed overview with the non-progress which has transpired with the new government administration project?
A detailed overview of all assignments and works executed/being executed has been provided, including a list of the works yet to be carried out.
8. What is the checklist of things completed and things yet to be done?
This information has been provided.
9. Are there any bottlenecks to the completion of the building?
There are no more foreseen bottlenecks to the completion of the building. Currently plans are being made to finalize all the pending works yet to be carried out, based on which no doubt additional approvals of the Island Council will be required for finalization.
Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus
10. What is the new planned date of completion for the building?
See answer to question 1.
11. Are the reports regarding cash payments and plane tickets being paid to members of the Executive Council true or can these reports be categorically denied?
Political!
12. Can the public trust political leaders when they speak?
Political!
13. Was the leader of the governing party fooled into believing that the commissioner in question would resign? What is the position of the EXCO on this information?
Political!
14. How is it possible that we have put forward so much money to the administration building while we cannot see the light of day pertaining to the completion?
Political!
15. How is it possible that the building can be shown to various visiting dignitaries and foreign parliamentarians while it is under so much controversy?
Political!
16. Is the building suited to accommodate the organization for country Sint Maarten?
The building is currently designed bearing in mind the organization of the planned Country Sint Maarten. The building will be able to contain all known departments of the planned country organization with the exception new tax department yet to be established and the Ministry of Justice of the country. The new tax department will be housed in the planned Building D, for which the designs are complete, structural engineering near complete and the foundation piles placed.
The Government will move into the building as an Island Territory, however the design is suited for a country organization.
Lt.Governor F.Richards
Louie Laveist.
17. Please provide the members of the Council with the procedures involved in awarding the contracts for the furnishing of the government administration building.
The process to award the contract for the furnishing the new administration building is still ongoing and a final decision has not been made on the awarding. In September 2008 a public tender procedure was started to select the supplier for the office furniture for the new government administration building. A total of 7 bidders submitted bids as follows:
|
Supplier |
Product |
Bid |
|
Bemal |
HON |
4.842.923 |
|
SXM Office Systems |
Herman Miller |
4.517.738 |
|
Clean Communications |
LAS |
1.777.738 |
|
Carib Consult |
Lensvelt |
5.002.119 |
|
ABL system |
Vitra |
7.914.665 |
|
Wiseco |
Gispen |
4.386.729 |
|
Multiuse SXM |
Ahrend A500 |
5.891.988 |
|
Firgos |
Kinnarps |
4.571.121 |
Currently 4 of the most suitable bidders are in the running for the contract. These suppliers were requested to set up display demo furniture in the building, based on which further evaluation of the proposals is taking place.
The final selection of the supplier should be made within soon.