Dear Editor,
I would appreciate any information you or your readers could provide on the situation at the Diamond Resorts International – Flamingo Beach Resort, specifically why it is taking them so long to reopen.
Initially, following Hurricane Irma, we were told that the resort would likely reopen in 2019 and that insurance would cover the reconstruction costs. Now, they are saying the resort will not reopen until June of 2020.
Other resorts, like the Maho Sonesta Beach have completed their renovations and reopened. Why is it taking Diamond Resorts International so long to get the Flamingo Beach Resort up and running? Why is there little work being done on the resort? Why are we being assessed a Maintenance/Operating Fee of $544, and some owners more, for a resort that we cannot even use?
There's also information suggesting that the resort is intentionally dragging their feet on reconstruction because they are collecting money from the insurance company each day they remain closed and are in no rush to reopen. We owners are becoming outraged with this and would like some answers.
Does the Minister of Tourism, Stuart A. Johnson, realize how Flamingo Beach owners are being treated by Diamond Resorts? Does he realize how much money timeshare owners spend annually in Sint Maarten? Do timeshare owners in Sint Maarten have any rights? If so, what does the government do to uphold those rights?
Stephen Caravana
Owner-Flamingo Beach Resort
