From left: Troy Washington (Special Representative/ Interim Manager NV GEBE); Charlene Alberto (CEO Vidanova Pension Fund); VROMI Minister Egbert Doran; Karel van Haren (Chairman of Board of Managing Directors at Vidanova) and Randell Hato (Member of Board of Managing Directors at Vidanova).
PHILIPSBURG--Utilities company GEBE and Vidanova Pension Fund have announced a partnership to tackle the lack of reasonably-priced housing for fund participants.
The partnership seeks to have a transformative impact on the community, using GEBE’s ownership of The Quarry, Hope Estate, an 80,913-square-metre property.
According to a press release, both parties are now set to explore possibilities through negotiations in good faith, seeking common ground and consensus to realise the objectives outlined. The end goal is to forge a joint venture agreement “that will propel this collaborative effort into tangible, transformative results.”
Vidanova Pension Fund serves multiple companies in St. Maarten, including GEBE. It stands ready to provide the necessary financial resources for the project. As one of the founding institutions of Vidanova Pension Fund, GEBE is excited to forge ahead with Vidanova in expanding investments that will not only benefit its workforce but also contribute significantly to the broader development of St. Maarten, the release said.
“Today we embark on a journey that goes beyond bricks and mortar. We intend to create wealth for our employees, not just in monetary terms, but in the form of a thriving community they can call home. This initiative is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our team and the communities we serve,” said Special Representative/Temporary Manager at GEBE Troy Washington.
Recognising the growing housing needs of Vidanova’s participants in St. Maarten, the release said, Vidanova is eager to align its investment policy with community development goals.
Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure VROMI Egbert Doran has endorsed the project, highlighting its potential to address the dire need for affordable housing in St. Maarten, in a letter addressed to GEBE.
“This project is in line with my vision for empowering the people of St. Maarten by encouraging home ownership. As a leader in this community I will stand with those who endeavour to facilitate and find creative ways to make this possible. A strong community is built on the foundation of reasonably-priced housing. I am committed to working with NV GEBE and Vidanova Pension Fund to create a thriving community that benefits the overall growth of St. Maarten,” Doran was quoted as saying in the release.
