Lack of VROMI Policy Victimizes Many in Government Land Distribution Part 3 ~Questionable Bidding Process~

While the allotment of land and lack of policy over the Vineyard Heights (Over the Bank) housing project became a buzz in the community, the actual beginning of the project appears faulty. The project became public during the budget debate in Parliament on June 28, 2021 with a video of 3D renderings done by Atys Architecture. The execution of the project idea began on Friday 25, September 2020 with an invited bid to Access NV (ANV), DAM Caribbean (DC) and Atys Architecture (AA). However, the bid was given to Atys Architecture which initially proposed to do the renderings for free on the day the bids had to be opened. That was on October 19, 2020. AA returned to VROMI with a proposal on February 3, 2021- over three (3) months later with a price tag of NAF 3000. When called about the project, the architect of AA stated the original price for such work would be $15,000 to $20,000 which is NAF 27,000 to NAF 36,000.

Leading up to the date for submissions, a representative from Atys requested more information and asked for a meeting to be held at his office on September 28. DC’s representative asked if it was possible to have a digital meeting and also requested more information. VROMI then sent a reply to all three companies for a session to answer all their questions at 11 AM on Friday October 9. DC’s representative requested the PDF of the concept design infrastructure after the meeting date. On the day of the bid- October 19- that information along with answers to DC’s questions were not yet received. A cabinet member of the Minister of VROMI then forwarded the information before 10 AM. Just before 3 PM DC’s representative replied and stated he does not recognize the minutes sent by VROMI. He also inquired about the origin of the PDF lot view which had no heading or intro. He also asked if the submission date was postponed. DC’s representative did not show up to the bid opening later that day.

At 4 PM on October 19 ANV and AA came to the opening. ANV bid was NAF 46,800. However, although the two companies submitted their offer and the bid was over- AA returned in February 2021 with an offer. According to a VROMI document “ATYS Architectural was of more advantage and beneficial based on the fact that they performed the renderings and future development of the project on a pro-bono cost to show there willingness to be involved with the project. It was clearly made known to ATYS Architectural that this would not the intention and an offer must be presented indicating cost of renderings and all relevant productions." It also mentioned “clear distinction of the two companies were established with the presentation, whereby ATYS’s presentation was more modern and of a better quality standard. The document continues with, "Further cost related to the architect on the project will have to seek approval of Finance and the Minister of Vromi. The related cost shall be clearly defined in working documents and drawings which will be made known to the Minister and COM for approval."

During a phone conversation with AA architect, Leano Miceli, he stated the price for the rendering was a special price “because I want to be a partner in the project.” Miceli said the price portrays AA’s desire to contribute to St. Maarten. “It’s a symbolic price.” Nevertheless, his initial response to whether NAF 3000 is the price for such a rendering was “no no, it’s much more.” AA’s work includes Jordan Village, Aqua Towers and Starz City Casino among other projects.

According to Miceli, “the team of- around the VROMI head- tell me if he go with you- he would like you to be a partner in the project. I said ok.” He did not mention who he referred to as VROMI head. It is unclear why AA was allowed to return after the bid opening ended. AA was awarded the assignment on June 25, 2021 before the project announcement on June 28. The advice to grant the 25 persons parcels was also on June 25.

 Several questions were sent to the Minister, such as why wasn’t it a public bid and whether approval for additional funds requested by AA were granted. All questions sent for responses were not answered.