Duck International v.s Mrs B
Posted by:
Robert Gumbs
(---.7.33.214.caribserve.net)
Date: March 31, 2006 10:54AM
There has been a lot going on about the issue between the beach bar of Mrs.B and Duck international, (building condo’s on the beach), on the sites of gobeach and traveltalkonline, I’m following this closely as I am in the local papers, on the sites the facts are not always complete.
Has anybody seen the statement that was in the St.Maarten news papers this week?
It clears up some things. Read the following to get more of the picture
I thought the access to the beach would be stopped, but its not.
I’m a fan of Dawn beach, it is one of the best beaches on the Island, I still miss the Scavenges bar a lot.
Robert G. St.Maarten
Scanned from the daily Harold this week;
Duck International is in the process of developing Coral Beach Club at Dawn Beach and is spending millions of dollars building a luxurious villa project to be run as a Boutique Hotel to attract high-end tourists whose presence will benefit jobs for locals and the economy of St. Maarten. A project on this property has been in the works for years prior to any vending licenses on the beach. Duck International presently employs about 60 local construction workers and upon completion will provide local long term employment for approximately 10 employees. Added revenues from this tourist product created by Duck International will be employment tax, Turnover Tax, Room Tax, Goods and Services Revenues and Tourist spending which will create a greater benefit for the Island as a whole than the monetary gain for any one individual. Due to several individual’s illegal structures on the beach, these future and present revenues are at jeopardy. Is Ms. Verwood and others willing to sacrifice this positive, low density growth to the island for their own selfish needs?
Duck International by way of its own Deed that goes back to 1965 is the legal owner of the private land, comprising of the construction site and the beach directly in front. Also by way of planning and building permits, Duck International is not only legally building, but from the very beginning, allowed at it’s own expense, for a public path and secure emergency road access to the beach as well as 10 public parking spots on the road that Duck International is deeding to Government. Duck International emphasizes that the beach is and will remain open to the public! Beaches are for the enjoyment of all, locals and tourists alike, but that does not mean just anyone can take advantage of a natural resource to do anything they like on the beach.
To begin, this beach is about 600 ft. long with Oyster Bay Hotel, Laissez Faire, Henson, Rosseau, Mr. Busbys, Mrs. Bs, Allan Busby, Coral Beach and two private rental villas trying to get space for their clients which over burdens the beach and creates problems. For any commercial activity on Beaches a valid permit from Government is required which outlines the parameters of your business. Ms. Verwood (especially) and the other two in front of Duck International are violating their licenses with structures and Mrs. Bs with toilets, showers, hard liquor, food preparation and chairs with tables. Duck International has tried on numerous occasions with all participants on the beach and Government to settle this problem, even listening to Ms. Verwoods offer to move for large sums of payment. Only, after zero cooperation from anyone, did Duck International go to court while Ms. Verwood kept misinforming the public of the facts for her own agenda. Even after multiple cases of which the facts of Judgment have not been verified but totally misinterpreted by all, Duck International stayed out of the Public forum, but No LONGER! Recently, the Hygiene Department ordered Mrs. B’s to remove toilets, tables and chairs, showers due to their illegality, only to be ignored by Ms. Verwood. Why does she feel that Government is picking on her, when she is the one in the wrong and operating illegally? It is interesting to note Ms. Verwood appeals for public sympathy while Duck International abides by the laws, which no one should be above, foreigner or local. In the recent court injunction, once again verdict totally misinformed, by Ms. Verwood to the public, the judge asked all parties to try to negotiate after stating in court that the current situation (illegal structures of Ms. Verwood) cannot be tolerated. The judge suggested that Verwood (and Rousseau/Henson) move their structures so that the view from the villas of Duck International is no longer obstructed. After a failure in negotiations where all three vendors refused to remove structures, the Judge ruled. Ms. Verwood wanted money to which Duck International refused as blackmail and unjust. Now finally it is becoming clear what this case is about. It is simply about the money and Ms. Verwood is looking for a large money settlement, and all her public emotional appeal is a smoke screen and nothing more, this has become evident to all.
In the second injunction case, the judge has referred the discussion about the property right with regard to the beach to the main proceedings. Also during the second injunction case, Duck has demonstrated that Verwood violated the conditions of her vending license but the court has, however, ruled that the Government should act upon those violations.
The spread of misinformation by Ms. Verwood with regards to these court proceedings and their outcomes need to be both addressed and corrected.
The judge did rule that the property issue should be referred to main proceedings since it is to complicated to be ruled upon in short proceedings. Contrary to claims of Verwoord, the judge did not rule that the beaches are public property.
In the second injunction which pertains to Vending licenses and violations the judge said this matter should be enforced by the government as they were the issuers of these vending licenses. Furthermore the rumor mill has suggested that Duck Int. was ordered to remove the wall at Coral Beach Club.
This is a completely false statement with absolutely no merit. At best this is just wishful thinking on the part of certain individuals.
Duck will not be distracted and will continue the construction of the Coral Beach Club and the access path to Dawn Beach, so that everybody can easily access and enjoy this truly wonderful beach.
Duck International