Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning Delegation Visits St. Eustatius

A delegation from the Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning, including the newly appointed Director of Housing, Ms. Jeske de Lint, recently visited St. Eustatius (“Statia”) to pave the way for the upcoming visit of Minister Mona Keijzer. This visit underscored the collaborative efforts between the Kingdom Government and the local Statian government to address the pressing issue of housing shortage and improve the overall living conditions on the island, ultimately aiming to alleviate poverty. The delegation’s engagements focused on reviewing ongoing projects, strategizing future developments, and strengthening partnerships with local stakeholders.

A central point of discussion during the visit was the progress of 36 new homes currently under construction in the Fairplay area, formerly known as the Condo Terrain. This project represents a significant step towards increasing the availability of affordable housing on the island. The delegation, along with Island Governor Alida Francis and Commissioner of Housing Reuben Merkman, deliberated on strategies to expedite the development of further affordable housing initiatives, recognizing the urgent need for more homes. These discussions highlighted the commitment of both governments to address the housing deficit and create a more sustainable housing market on Statia.

The collaborative efforts of the two governments will be formalized through several key policy documents. An Improvement Agenda for Social Housing will outline specific actions and targets for enhancing the existing social housing framework. A new Policy Agenda, spanning from 2026 to 2030, will provide a long-term vision for housing development and articulate the strategic goals for addressing housing needs in the coming years. These documents will provide a roadmap for future initiatives and ensure a coordinated approach to tackling the housing challenge.

Furthermore, the existing Housing Letter of Intent, signed in June 2022, will be amended with an addendum to reflect the ongoing progress and solidify the commitments made by both governments. This addendum will detail the specific actions, timelines, and resource allocation related to social housing policy, renovation projects, and new construction endeavors. It will serve as a crucial instrument for monitoring progress, ensuring accountability, and maintaining momentum in addressing the housing needs of the island.

The delegation also engaged in productive discussions with critical local stakeholders, including Statia’s Rental Tribunal and the Social Housing Foundation. These meetings provided valuable insights into the local housing market dynamics, challenges faced by residents, and potential solutions for improving housing accessibility and affordability. The dialogue with the Rental Tribunal focused on ensuring fair and equitable rental practices, while the meeting with the Social Housing Foundation centered on optimizing the management and allocation of social housing units. These collaborations are crucial for ensuring that housing initiatives are effectively implemented and meet the needs of the community.

The visit of the Ministry delegation underscored the shared commitment of the Kingdom and Statian governments to address the housing crisis on Statia. The focus on accelerating the construction of new homes, developing comprehensive policy frameworks, and engaging with local stakeholders demonstrates a proactive approach to tackling this critical challenge. The collaborative spirit and the concrete steps being taken promise a brighter future for the residents of Statia, with improved living conditions and a pathway towards greater economic stability. The ultimate aim is to create a sustainable housing market that caters to the needs of all residents and contributes to the overall well-being of the community.