Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
PHILIPSBURG--The Cadastre (Kadaster in Dutch) and Mortgage Registry still legally falls under the Ministry of Finance, while the practical responsibility is that of the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI.
A report submitted by Ombudsman Nilda Arduin about the operations of the Cadastre was before Parliament in a Central Committee meeting on Friday. However, after Members of Parliament asked questions, President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell suspended the meeting until further notice to give VROMI Minister Maurice Lake time to get the go ahead from the Council of Ministers to discuss the Cadastre and its work. He is expected to table that proposal in the Council of Ministers on Tuesday.
Lake and Finance Minister Martin Hassink said efforts are being made to move the Cadastre from the finance ministry to VROMI.
Prior to the suspension of the public meeting, independent Member of Parliament Patrick Illidge said it was imperative for St. Maarten people to be in charge of the land and mortgage registry.
National Alliance (NA) MP George Pantophlet raised his concern about holders of government in long lease not paying their annual fees.
United People's (UP) party MP Sylvia Meyers-Olivacce sees the urgent need for the operations at the Cadastre to be remedied and proper service provided.
NA Parliamentarian William Marlin said high tariffs charged by the Cadastre for service must be regulated and made more affordable for the people of the country.
Democratic Party (DP) Parliamentarian Roy Marlin questioned the composition of the supervisory board of Cadastre, in particular that it only has one board member. He wanted to know if government started the process to find new board members.
Independent MP Frans Richardson said St. Maarten people working for Cadastre were being "victimised, penalised and pushed aside."
MPs are also interested in knowing the procedure for the sale of undeveloped government long lease land.
