Local News
Government gets back 17 hectares in Cul de Sac; Gumbs plans first terrestrial national park
VROMI Minister Patrice Gumbs finalised the return of about 17 hectares of long-lease land in Cul de Sac to the country and plans to designate much of it as Sint Maarten's first terrestrial national park.
By SXM Daily ยท
Reported 22 October 2026
VROMI Minister Patrice Gumbs finalised the return of long-lease land in Cul de Sac to Country Sint Maarten, and plans to designate a significant portion of it as Sint Maarten's first terrestrial national park, the ministry said in a release carried by 721news.
The land
The four parcels lie in the area known as Golden Rock and Industry, next to Emilio Wilson Park. Together they total about 172,626 square metres, just over 17 hectares or 42 acres. The ministry said the land, previously tied up in a private long lease, can now be zoned and planned by the Government.
Why a park
According to the release, a UNESCO-IHE report identified the area as one of the best locations for naturally managing stormwater drainage in Cul de Sac, and other studies identified it as a refuge for native species. The plan is based on the 2009 St Maarten Proposed Land Parks Management Plan.
The Minister plans to meet stakeholders in the coming weeks, and the ministry expects a first draft of a protection ordinance soon.
Sources
- Ministry of VROMI release, via 721news: https://www.721news.com/2026/10/minister-gumbs-commits-to-realizing-first-terrestrial-national-park/
Source: https://www.721news.com/2026/10/minister-gumbs-commits-to-realizing-first-terrestrial-national-park/