Questions asked by Party for Progress (PFP) to Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI Egbert Doran about plans to give out water rights (see related story) are noteworthy. What makes it extra intriguing is that this reportedly concerns 14,000 square metres near Sunset Bar & Grill in the vicinity of Maho Bay.
That is close to Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA), raising concern over any possible impact on aviation safety. It regards one of the island’s biggest attractions and most photographed spots as well, particularly pictures of planes landing right overhead of beachgoers.
In addition, with sea levels expected to rise because of climate change, protecting the runway and the only access road for the Beacon Hill community must have priority. Any plans that could further complicate doing so ought to be discouraged at this point.
Mind you, the issue goes back to former VROMI Minister Christopher Wever, who was also asked about it when in a caretaker capacity by the same opposition faction at the end of February. He never provided answers, but as government is supposed to be a continuity the matter now falls to Doran.
The area is important and sensitive in terms of nature, tourism, air traffic and tourism. Alterations should only be made with great care, taking all these elements into consideration.
And – certainly with the current coronavirus-related socioeconomic crisis – one cannot help but wonder: Is it necessary?
