Despite all that’s been happening, the letter of intent between the Executive Council of St. Eustatius and NuStar NV reported on in Friday’s paper should not go unnoticed. For years the local government and the oil transhipment terminal have been at loggerheads over the payment of certain taxes and fees, among other things.
Granted, what Acting Island Governor Julian Woodley and the company’s Vice President John Roller signed regards little more than a willingness statement. However, it’s said to be the precursor to a long-term agreement of which the final version is currently being reviewed.
The latter would include terms for the use of the terminal as well as stipulations and tariffs in the new Harbour Ordinance. That should put to rest some of the remaining concern about NuStar supposedly not contributing enough to public funds.
Restoring and improving ties between the two parties is of utmost importance, considering what a major role the terminal plays regarding employment, spinoff business activities, etc. In addition to tourism, it is undoubtedly one of Statia’s main economic pillars.
With the Public Entity having received quite some bad news involving primarily its financial household and relations with the Netherlands of late, this latest development should inspire some much-needed confidence for the immediate future. It’s indeed high time to move forward.
