It was a historical decision in court today. The judge said all kinds of valuable stuff, you may check it out on line, http://www.noticiacla.com/_images/content/vonnis_oceanz.pdf, but basically he sided with the Malmok neighborhood. The following is what one of the neighbors wrote:
I think it would be great if we can inspire, empower, and embolden other neighborhoods and individuals to take on business people and government officials who act outside the law with this message:
1) There are many business activities that go on in Aruba for which there are no permits.
2) Aruba is a country of laws.
3) We believe this is the first time that a group of citizens has fought the government and an unscrupulous entrepreneur to stand up for our rights and fight those who make a mockery of our laws. 4) We are very happy that the government and L.G. Smith 526 have been ordered by a judge to adhere to the law.
5) It is possible for citizens to win against the government when they organize and act intelligently!
Finally a quote that keeps coming up in neighborhood circles: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.
Preserva Malmok, that is the chosen name of the neighborhood association, now aims at extending its membership to adjoining neighborhoods such as Bakval, and Arashi, also including the homes around the salt pans, and focusing efforts on controlling the future of the neighborhood, that would include a say in what the extension of the Linear Park would look like, and how the beach chair rental and the Food & Beverage permits were granted. A kiosk has already been built at Arashi, and the neighborhood would like to know who the operator is, and he’d better have the interests of the community at heart.
Basically the neighborhood would seek an overview of all existing permits in this area, and demand a say in future plans for exploitation and all related in-the-pipeline activities. Government departments DIP & DOW were not impressed by sweet and polite approaches, but they had to listen when a law suit came along. Consequently, the neighborhood decided to become a legal entity, an association. Walk softly, but carry a big stick.
What will the future bring, now that changes were already made in the designation of the terrain, coinciding with the court forbidding it?! Stand by for more, soon.
