“At this moment when public domain is the object of many claims, I want to clarify a number of points for the public to be fully informed.
The public domain belongs to the Community, which means : to all of us. The first principle that governs public domain is that it is freely usable by all. It is the public’s interest that prevails in this area.
Exceptionally, the public domain can be used for commercial purposes through conventions and the conditions defined by the Collectivité. AOT are part of these agreements.
Touristic areas have been set specifically for this, including Orient Bay which is the subject of activities on the beach for 25 years.
The commune had then set occupancy rates that have not been updated over the years. This situation explains the abnormally low prices charged until 2012.
Our objective today is to settle the situation of many tenants who run businesses on the public domain without paying.
Since 2012, occupancy rates have been updated by the present administration.
Since 2012, the elected wanted to improve the AW34 plot and following hurricane Gonzalo, we have been obliged to rebuild the beach shops and restaurants that are so popular to our visitors.
The occupants were consulted on the project from the beginning. The collectivité was also committed to give them priority in the allocation of the new carbets.
The increase of the prices of the AOT was also known from the beginning because the rates had already been adjusted for some.
The construction of the Carbets Program had to be completed before the tourist season. We were two months late. That is why the Collectivité decided to extend the deadline for the first rent to March 1st, 2016 instead of January 2016.
These new carbets were delivered with construction and hygiene standards. Since January, the Collectivite authorized the construction of outdoor bars and deck covers as requested by the occupants.
As with any new building, there is a little extra work that will have to be done, but nothing that prevents the opening of the structure. I know about it as I have personally followed the work from A to Z of the construction of the cité Scolaire Robert Weinum.
Indeed, most of the operators have started their new activity and their businesses are already successful. I congratulate them.
This program was carried out in the interest of the territory and its people. It is definitely an improvement from the past structures, providing the same standards offered on Orient Beach. This is what the whole population can witness today.
To conclude, I insist on the fact that I will remain aware and vigilant maintaining equity and respect for all.
St. Martin must move forward and create the conditions for a sustainable economic development that could benefit the entire population, respecting the rules of good governance.”
I thank you for your attention.