STRATEGIC VISION Statia is developing Higher level of prosperity in a livable environment In the future, the population of St. Eustatius will enjoy a higher level of prosperity in a livable environment.
This is the vision statement of St. Eustatius for the next decade. To reach a higher level of prosperity for the island and the people of Statla, economic growth is required. The tourist sector in particular is considered to offer opportunities to achieve this goal. An expanding economy will go in hand with population growth and development of, among others, touristic amenities and facilities. To be able to accommodate the growing population, additional homes will be built. Investments in infrastructure will be necessary to cater to intensifying traffic. To maintain a sustainable development, environmental management will be expanded. Why a strategic development plan? Statia offers many development possibilities, but geographically it remains a small island. Therefore it is of great importance to make well considered planning choices for the island's development. The key focus is to preserve existing qualities such as culture, nature, the rich heritage and authenticity. Statia strives for sustainable development, to make it an attractive place to live, work and recreate, also in the future. This StrategiC Development Plan (SOP) gives an outline of the envisioned development of Statia.
Sustainable development for Statia Social wellbeing as key to success Statia chooses to enhance the social wellbeing of its inhabitants. Growth of prosperity is not its main objective, but a vehicle to achieve a higher level of wellbeing. This requires that investments in Statia's economic development aim at a growth in quality instead of quantity and that new activities contribute Significantly to enhance the quality of life on Statia. The level of social wellbeing should grow in proportion with the growth in prosperity for the Statians. Aiming at a growth in wellbeing consequently means aiming at a socially strong Statia, with the ambitions of the residents at its focal point: economic progress, self-evolvement and social security. A Statia where there is a place for everyone and where the less fortunate also profit from growing wealth. This will apply to the present generation as well as to future generations. This development will be visible in investments in education, health care, employment and safety. Authenticity and identity as point of departure Statia has unique qualities, such as the Island's authentic and pure character and its cultural heritage sites. The island also has beautiful natural landscapes, unique flora and fauna and excellent diving sites. Other qualities that give Statia its identity are the local culture, the peacefulness and small scale. It is this mix of qualities and its own strong identity that makes Statia one of a kind in the Windward Islands. Statia's development must be based on these unique identifying qualities. These qualities must be strengthened and protected and used to their full potential for the island's development now and In the future. A strong part of the Island's authenticity is its culture. It is of great importance that Statia keeps its identity and character and resists any threats.
Making use of opportunities Statia chooses for a sustainable development strategy. This explicit choice distinguishes Statia in a positive manner and offers new opportunities for the economy, such as displaying the island as a sustainable travel destination that offers new sustainable products and services. This will broaden and strengthen its economy, which in turn will generate the necessary income to enhance welfare.
To arrive at a higher level of prosperity in a better living environment, Statia will invest in the development of its inhabitants from a social and socio-economical perspective, based on Statia's own cultural and religious traditions, standards and values. The emphasis is on facilitating the ambitions of the inhabitants: economic progress, self-evolvement and social security. Growth of the economy will go hand in hand with social development and improved social services such as education and health care.
It starts v;;ith gooci edHJcat~o!f~ A higher level of prosperity starts with good education, which opens up opportunities for a successful entrance on the labor market. Education means self actualization, acquiring social skills and knowledge. Education also contributes to the cultural identity and self-awareness and to the quality of life in general. All levels of education have to emit these aspects. Currently many Statians leave the island for higher education or for work. To achieve a balanced economic growth, it is necessary to avoid this brain drain and to commit the present labor force to the island. Therefore quality employment has to be created and the educational system has to be in line with the demand on the labor market. p, wcddng societv A healthy future for Statia requires a solid economical basis to create employment for the inhabitants of the Island. The lack of sufficient job opportunities could cause a negative future prospect, possibly leading to social problems and poverty. Upward mobility on the labor market is therefore of great importance. New economical activities and employment should in the first place benefit the island and its inhabitants. Private enterprises will be advocated in order to stimulate the residents toward self-employment. f':Of.'1trCfYed ~oiGu[~ti<Gn
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Economic growth is expected to generate an influx of new residents. Attention must be paid to prevent integration problems and segregation of population groups as a result of this influx. Also, this should not lead to feelings of displacement and being out of touch with one's familiar environment by the "Indigenous" population. This can be prevented by controlling the growth of the foreign labor force and keeping it in pace with the growth of the population and the local labor force. The population is expected to grow with 2,000 to around 5,500 inhabitants in 2030. Part of this growth will come from natural growth and part from immigration. liiea~th care ~-:O?' z~~ Everyone has the right to proper health care. Health care must be accessible for all, physically as well as finanCially. Improving the health care system on Statia is an important goal. This necessitates investing in a new multi functional medical center, adding ambulant care, home care and a center for youth and family. Important aspect of the health care policy is prevention of social problems- such as teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, youthfcriminality, ect. 10 Improve the level of health care, medical expertise
and know-how will be imported from abroad and the current staff will receive relevant training in order to upgrade the quality of the service. Lsvh1'0 -!"'J~Hori Stat~e; Improved living conditions and environment contribute to the extent in which people feel at home in their habitat as well as the peoples' soclo-economical progress. The Statians, irrespective of their income, must have access to quality housing and a proper living environment. Therefore, the Government, in cooperation with the Housing Foundation, will invest in new (social) housing, an upgrading of the existing stock and in a pleasant living environment. Private owners can be offered incentives, such as subsidies to improve their homes. Impoverishment of neighborhoods must be prevented.
~~rpt{)~~sr~:g tDl~~"'h~lt~i'; ~);iJtent~;at At present, the largest economic pillars of Statia are Oil transshipment, tourism and the School of Medicine. Because of its unique heritage, beautiful town and landscapes, its excellent diving product, its terrestrial flora and fauna and its strategic location in the Caribbean, tourism has great economic potential. To attract tourists to Statia, a larger room capacity has to be created. A number of 250 - 300 hotel rooms is considered to be a minimum to be able to effectively promote the Island on the market. In addition other hospitality facilities will be developed. Lower Town can accommodate part of the needed hotel rooms and will be developed as a tourist center. For now, Zeelandia and the strip located on the west side of the Road to White Wall are other areas, designated for hotel development. Increase in tourism will increase the demand for other amenities such as welfare facilities, shops, restaurants, etc. and supply industry. Tourism thereby creates extra income and will benefit the island economy. Next to developing the tourism product, a proper marketing of the island as tourist destination is a prerequisite for a flourishing touristic sector. ~~_~~-~~b6~ 5e~to~-'"s 1:~~Bf:: -:.:~:路cn:.~:i iH~~:P;dc;;路路Ie~op: {i';~ EsJ'.:-:ind Gi:n~10l:~~~Y Apart from tourism, the School of Medicine has the ambition to grow. Also NuStar Terminals is expected to expand, but this will not necessarily lead to a significant increase in employment due to further automation. To be able to supply the home market (including the tourist market) with fresh produce, the SOPincludes an expansion of the agricultural sector. For this purpose, approximately 15 hectares of land have been reserved in this plan. Last but not least, the strategic position in the Caribean arch and duty free status, among other factors, contributed to the development of Statia as a trading center in the 18th century and attracted the oil transshipment facility (NuStar) to the Island in the present era. By further expanding the harbor and the airport, the government expects to attract more transshipment activities and related industries.
STRATEGIC VISION Growth in the above mentioned sectors will increase employment by approximately 1,550 jobs. The total income of the island is expected to increase by approximately 60%, thereby improving the prosperity of Statia.
Careful spatial planning Existing qualities as point of departure One of the assets of the island is its green and blue image, represented by the two National Parks on land and the National Marine Park that has some of the world's finest diving sites. Therefore, this Park is an important tourist attraction. Statia also boasts a rich cultural and historic heritage. If made more visible, this can also contribute to the attractiveness of the island. The expected development on the island can take place under the condition that the existing
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qualities are preserved and strengthened where possible. This is the reason for choosing for a cautious and careful development in order to prevent Statia's assets from being negatively impacted. Touristic development of Lower Town Lower Town will be further developed as a tourist area, not by realizing large scale hotel accommodation, but preferably by smaller hotels with a capacity of 30 to 70 rooms. Their design must suit the surroundings. Where possible the ruins of the old (merchant) buildings must be integrated in the new hotels and shops and other recreational facilities. This will visualize Statia's history. Near the port amenities will be realized to attract yachting tourists to moor and land. Near the port a fish restaurant could be built to serve the catch of the day.
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For sustainable horticulture, space will be reserved north of the airport and near the present concentration of schools. Sustainable horticulture will have to be developed based on certain stringent conditions. Reasonsfor this are the scarcity of water on the island and risk of damage to coral reefs from use of fertilizers and toxic agents, draining into the ocean. Free roaming cattle is a serious threat to the island's terrestrial and marine biodiversity because of the effects on the soil and destruction of the flora They also damage the old stone dry walls that were built in the past to prevent erosion. Changing to a controlled grazing system and modem professional management techniques is therefore advisable. The cattle will be gathered in fenced fields. The east side of The Quill is a suitable location for this. Replanting is also necessary in some areas to prevent erosion and damage to coral reefs as a result of the effect of sedimentation after rainfall.
The population will grow from the present 3,500 inhabitants to approximately 5,500 inhabitants in 2030. To house these new residents, 800 extra homes must be built. These homes will for the largest part be incorporated into the existing residential areas in and around Oranjestad . This to utilize the existing infra structure efficiently. Subdivisions and construction activities outside the expanded town area will be possible but limited and with low density to preserve the green image.
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The obstacle-free zone of the airport will be extended to comply with International regulations. This requires relocation of the terminal building. The area east of Concordia is a suitable location. This will offer the possibility to modernize the terminal and expand it with more facilities and also to plan the space surrounding the terminal in a proper way. Near the new terminal building space is available for limited office development and residential use•
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How to implement the SOP? Implementing organization
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Successful implementation of the SOP largely depends on the organization. This SOP offers a framework for governmental decision making. Based on the Plan, strategic decisions can be made to achieve a well-thought about development on Statia. Furthermore, installing a professional organization to stimulate, facilitate, check and maintain development is of great importance. The policies of the various governmental services and departments must be harmonized. The executing organization has to connect to Statia's present organizational structure and also connect to the experience and the mind-set of the Statians. They must recognize themselves in the Plan and have faith in its success and ability to contribute to their prosperity and that of the island. Another important aspect is that the projects are structured and are implemented in a structured manner.
Cooperation with market Implementation of the SOP is not just a government affair, but also depends to a large extent on private initiatives, for example the development . of Lower Town and other areas. Together with the market/developers, the government will work on implementing the SOP.
Starting point for Statia's development Finally, this SOP is not a finish line, but a starting point for the island's devel~pment. ~hiS Plan ~oes not contain an exhaustive list of projects but IS a dynamic document outlining the direction for Statia to develop itself and functioning as a sounding board for new developments. To achieve the desired spatial quality, this SOP is elaborated in a Spatial Development Plan and in the land policy.
Formation process The SOP is based on elaborate research. Prior to composing the SOP,a large number of stakeholders have been interviewed. Among these were Stenapa, the Medical School, Secar, the Housing Foundation, GEBE, Steba, the airport, hotels and diving schools. Based on these interviews, a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis has been executed and a Note of Outlines and Choices has been produced, which investigated the development possibilities for Sint Eustatius and represented them in three scenarios. In order to investigate the development options of Sint Eustatius an economic quick scan has been executed. The development possibilities were presented to the community in a Town Hall Meeting, and separately, to a number of the aforementioned stakeholders. The SDP was designed as an elaboration of the Note of Outlines and Choices and the SWOT analysis. The result of the first Town Hall Meeting and discussions with stakeholders and civil servants determined the proposed course for development. The Draft SOP has been presented in a second Town Hall Meeting, followed by office consultations on March 16th. The comments delivered at the office hours and the written responses received between March 16th and April 1st show that adjustments and alterations on the SOPare needed for the SOPto function as a community-based foundation for a zoning-plan. The proposed adjustments and alterations are summarized in a Memorandum of Adjustments and connected with proposals for adjustments on the SOP map.
Follow up The proposal for the adjustments of the SOP will be presented in a third Town Hall Meeting. The outcome of this Town Hall Meeting will lead to a final SDP.The final SOP is the base for the Spatial Development Plan. The planning is shown below. • 26 August 2010 • End of October 2010
Town Hall Meeting
Be on
Decision
Final
Strategic Development Plan • Beginning of November 2010
Hearing on pre-draft Spatial Development Plan
• November / December 2010
Public review draft Spatial Development Plan
Next Town Hall Meeting: August 26 18.30 - 21.30 location: Lions Den
Information For more information: www.ro-sinteustatius.nl projectbureau.eux@gmail.com
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