PHILIPSBURG:--- Number 1 candidate and leader of the United Sint Maarten Party (USP) is demanding an explanation from the Minister of Housing; Maurice Lake and the Board and Management of the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF), as to why low income homes built the Belvedere area and to be sold to residents through a qualification and an elimination process, are reportedly been used as political incentives, giving preference to supporters of the United People's Party (UP).
Reports are that tenants who have been on the waiting lists for months and even years and have qualified to purchase these homes, have been overstepped because of prejudice and favoritism to UP members in exchange for their support and vote.
"The purpose of this foundation and project was to make owning a home more affordable to everyone, no matter their political allegiance. This is a process that should be conducted in a fair and impartial manner," Richardson said. "However when the process becomes corrupted, you not only discriminate against persons but you cheat hard working people out of the chance to achieve their goals and to take care of their families."
This is an issue that needs to be addressed immediately and mustn't be pushed aside nor swept under the rug," he charged. "So as a parliamentary candidate, as a resident and as a family man, I am asking the Minister and his team to give us answers regarding this issue as it is just too much of a coincidence that the people on his party are the only one's been approved for these homes."
USP Press Release
