Acting Island Governor Sharon Hassell signs on behalf of Government as Commissioner Reuben Merkman congratulates new homeowners.
The Government of Statia has reached an important milestone in its efforts to provide Golden Rock residents with the opportunity to own their homes. On Friday, 9 October 2026, three additional residents signed their deeds of transfer before the notary, joining the first resident who completed the process on Friday, 2 October 2026.
Acting Island Governor Sharon Hassell was present to sign the deeds on behalf of the Government of Statia and congratulate the residents on becoming homeowners. Island Commissioner Reuben Merkman, responsible for the housing portfolio, was also present to personally congratulate the residents. Additional signings are expected in the coming week as the Government continues the transfer process for eligible tenants.
The initiative was first endorsed by the Island Council in 2015 but faced legal and administrative challenges that delayed its implementation. Progress was made in June 2022 through a cooperation agreement between the Government of Statia, the Statia Housing Foundation and the Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning in the Netherlands.
On 27 February 2025, the Island Council unanimously approved the sale of 25 homes under Island Council Decision 002/2025, allowing the Government to move forward with the initiative.
Since then, Commissioner Merkman, together with several departments and stakeholders, has continued working to advance the necessary legal and administrative arrangements. The Government formally launched the sales process in January 2026, with the first transfers now marking the results of years of preparation.
Reflecting on the achievement, Commissioner Merkman stated:
“For many years, these residents have looked forward to the opportunity to own the homes they have lived in and cared for. Getting to this point has required considerable work, patience and cooperation. I am pleased that we are now seeing the results of those efforts, and even more pleased for the families who can finally call these homes their own.
Homeownership provides families with greater security and the opportunity to build something for future generations. We look forward to seeing more residents complete this process.”
Each property has been individually appraised, and the proceeds from the sales will be reinvested into social housing renovations, allowing the initiative to benefit the wider community.
This milestone reflects the combined efforts of the Island Council, the Executive Council, the Statia Housing Foundation, the Programme and Project Management Office (PPMO), legal advisors, the notary and the public servants involved in bringing the initiative to this stage.
The Government of Statia appreciates the patience and cooperation shown throughout this long-awaited process and remains committed to creating more opportunities for safe, secure and affordable housing on the island.
