The court was loud and clear in summary proceedings regarding the contested Vineyard Heights area also known as “Over the Bank” (see related story): Ministers of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI should observe principles of good governance when issuing lease land. This must be done according to a published policy and not depend on the “fortuitous circumstance” of who at any time holds the office, the ruling added.
The “standstill” now ordered means current VROMI Minister Egbert Doran cannot continue the plan to give out parcels at the same location where former minister Angel Meyers granted such to a group of persons in August 2016. A year later the latter’s successor Christophe Emmanuel declared there were no ratified related decrees and the promises made to them therefore could not be kept.
The judge stated that citizens must be offered equal opportunities to obtain a leasehold and compete based on transparent criteria. The use of “discretionary power” by successive ministers and “setting aside” official notes drawn up to promote the public interest without motivation was mentioned.
To be sure, Parliament had already passed a motion since October 20 calling for cessation of all handlings regarding the land in question until a policy is in place and the infrastructure is done when it gave Doran a so-called “timeout” on the issue. The Ombudsman launched a systemic investigation into the matter, while the Prosecutor’s Office also announced it would be looking into the complaints.
In all fairness, the minister did announce a “sort of pilot policy” for the new group he wants to give leaseholds there, including applicants needing to earn to at least 3,000 Netherlands Antillean guilders per month or demonstrate sufficient other funds to build a home, while they may not already own another piece of property.
That is obviously not enough, so proper policy will now have to be established and adequately publicised regarding availability, selection procedure and timetable. It’s just a suggestion, but some conditions that might be considered are at least 10 years of legal residency and no tax debts.
