Vice Prime Minister Theo Heyliger and Minister of Finance discussed innovative means to finance public housing on the island with representatives from the Directorate General of Housing, Communities & Integration.
The Directorate will be furnishing information about financing for public housing at a reasonable interest rate. The delegation was informed that Housing Foundations in Holland are not allowed to invest outside of the Netherlands.
Initially, Sint Maarten was looking at establishing a relationship with a Dutch Housing Foundation and the Sint Maarten Housing Development Foundation where financing is concerned.
Another issue discussed was community district development. A neighbourhood approach project was executed successfully in Holland and Curacao and everybody was in agreement that something similar could also be done for Sint Maarten. The Directorate General will furnish information related to this approach to Sint Maarten representatives for further review and follow-up.
Minister Heyliger also asked about the possibilities of assistance with the development of environmental policies for Sint Maarten, and the request will be taken into consideration by the Directorate.
Representing the Directorate was Director General Mark Frequin, Department Manager Special Projects Victor Schaap and Martina Bartelink charged with the portfolio of Housing, Communities & Integration.