The session was led by Island Commissioners Reuben Merkman and Rechelline Leerdam, supported by the Director of the Statia Housing Foundation, Jacquil Pandt, and the Programme and Project Management Office (PPMO), represented by attorney Gerald de Jong.
Approximately 50 residents attended the event. They were informed that, in June 2022, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Statia Government, the Statia Housing Foundation and the Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning in the Netherlands. This agreement enables up to 25 long-term tenants to buy their home.
All houses have been individually appraised, and the opportunity to purchase is available to the 25 tenants who have lived in their homes the longest. Buyers must return any additional long-lease plots they own, ensuring that residential land remains available to the wider Statia community. To maintain and enhance the quality of life in the neighbourhood, new homeowners are also required to paint their house in keeping with the established look of the area.
Tuesday evening’s session reflects the Statia Government’s ambition to finalise the first sale before the end of the year. Over the years, PPMO, the Statia Housing Foundation and the notary have worked diligently to help make the dream of homeownership a reality for the Golden Rock community.
