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PHILIPSBURG--Grievances and complaints about a lack of protection from timeshare owners “have not fallen on deaf ears,†Tourism and Economic Affairs Minister Claret Connor said in a press statement issued on Sunday. The continued contribution of timeshare owners to the economy is “very important†to St. Maarten.
Some timeshare owners have the “impression†government does not care about them. “We cannot think we will be able to sustain the industry if the stakeholders of the industry feel that their investments are not secure,†the minister said.
He “sympathised with disgruntled former Caravanserai owners,†according to a press statement from the minister.
Connor wants “a better and in-depth understanding†of the sales structure of timeshare properties and/or affiliates operating in St. Maarten. He is said to be exploring ways to gather this information accurately and efficiently.
He will look into reviewing the draft legislation to amend the Civil Code to include articles to better regulate the timeshare industry. That legislation was submitted to Parliament by former Member of Parliament Leroy de Weever. That draft law seeks to establish consumer protection for timeshare buyers and owners.
The draft legislation includes in detail the developer’s obligations, the contract content, roles of the managing entity, focus on the termination or suspension of the rights of a user of a timeshare licence, advertising and sales, and timeshare resale.
