History of Schotsenhoek Plantation

"There is a lot of commotion around the proposed plans to expand the oil terminal on Sint Eustatius. It is primarily built on the former cattle plantation “Schotsenhoek.” It is interesting to know some of the history of the plantation and its former owners. In this article I will also quote from correspondence with my friend Walter Hellebrand of Sint Eustatius."



Article in The Daily Herald of Friday, August 19, 2011 on the history of the Schotsenhoek Plantation by Will Johnson. Read the full article

250 Signatures Reached!

The online petition against NuStar expansion reached 250 signatures today.

A lot of people posted their comment alongside their signature, to let us know why they are signing.

So did Victor Sams, and we couldn't agree more:

"You should know when you’re being played for the fooled. Saying yes to the expansion at the farm, is worse than selling your soul for gold. This is selling the soul for coins!!!"

Travel organization will possibly exclude Statia if expansion goes through

Today, a nature travel organization posted this comment on SEAD's online petition:

"As the director of SNP Natuurreizen, a Dutch tour operator specialised in active holidays I strongly protest against the expansion of Nustar. In 2012 we are launching a special walking program on St. Maarten, Saba & Statia for groups and individuals. The proposed expansion of Nustar will damage the experience of our clients to be walking on an island of special natural beauty and could result in excluding St Eustatius from our scheduled program."

This is proof to us that Statia government is seriously underestimating the negative impact on tourism development because of NuStar expansion plans. In an appendix of the St. Eustatius Spatial Development Plan we read: "It is possible for tourism and the oil terminal to co‐exist. Perhaps a few fanatic eco‐tourists will steer clear from the island". (Advies van de commissie van deskundigen over de tegen het ontwerp ontwikkelingsplan ingebrachte bezwaren 25/02/2011)

SNP is not a tour operator for "fanatic eco-tourists"! In fact, it is partner of very mainstream ANWB Travel in Holland.