The Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure Patrice Gumbs with Luis Gioia of the Gioia Group at the Simpson Bay Dock.
SIMPSON BAY--The Simpson Bay dock will be closed to the public from Wednesday, October 7, as refurbishment works get underway, the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) said.
The work is expected to take about two to three months. Over the past month, lights, damaged fencing, car wrecks and a bin have been removed from the area. During the refurbishment, Immigration services normally provided at the Simpson Bay dock will temporarily operate from the Ferry Dock at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA). The temporary location will be open from 7:00am to 6:00pm.
The project is being carried out through a partnership between VROMI and The Gioia Group. The Gioia Group is a St. Maarten-based property development company with a portfolio that includes residential and commercial projects across the island. Its portfolio includes developments in Simpson Bay, including Las Arenas and Cocos Beach Club, as well as projects in Dawn Beach, Point Blanche and Front Street.
This includes the reconstruction of the dock to meet modern maritime standards, rebuilding of the parking area, construction of a dedicated garbage room and landscaping. Repairs will also be carried out at the adjacent police station and sewage treatment system, with work also intended to improve the general environment around the police and Immigration station.
The completed facilities are expected to provide improved services for the maritime community and address parking and access concerns raised by residents of Simpson Bay Village. Proper parking and enforcement measures will also be put in place.
The Ministry of Justice is exploring an additional temporary service location to accommodate the maritime community during the refurbishment. Discussions are ongoing and further information will be provided once arrangements have been finalised.
The Ministry of TEATT asked yacht agents, captains, marinas, vessel operators and other members of the maritime community to take note of the temporary arrangements and thanked them for their cooperation and understanding during this period.
