PHILIPSBURG:--- The Court of First Instance hit the Government of St. Maarten another slap on Thursday when they ruled against the Government in the Vorst Court Case.
The judge ordered the Vorst family to transfer the property to government within four days, the Government of St. Maarten is ordered to cooperate with the family so that the transfer takes place, while government has to also pay the initial (down payment) of 3 million USD to the Vorst family within four days. While the remaining balance of 2.5 million USD has to be paid in accordance with the amendment made to the sales and purchase agreement. Government was also condemned to pay within four days the interest and penalties based on the agreement of February 3rd, 2014. Government was ordered to adjust the agreement of May 27th until the final payment of 2.5 USD is paid to the Vorst family.
The Government of St. Maarten was also ordered to pay the court fees for the Vorst family which amounts to Naf. 8,796. Failure to comply with the courts order government will face a penalty of Naf. 10,000.00 per day.
The judge clearly noted in his decision that the judgment he rendered on Thursday takes immediate effect whether or not government chose to appeal the decision, this makes the decision rendered on Thursday irrevocable.
The ruling rendered by the Court of First Instance placed the Government of St. Maarten in a very precarious position since government is waiting on the Parliament of St. Maarten to reconvene a meeting to make some budget amendments. Whether or not the budget amendment is made Government will have to comply with the court's decision which will place them in conflict with the CFT.
Minister of VROMI Maurice Lake took it upon himself to purchase 11,100m2 of land in Cay Hill for $495.00 per square meter. The total price for the Vorst property is 5.5 United States Dollars. The Vorst family was represented by Attorney at Law Jairo Bloem.
