After 11 Years, First Golden Rock residents finally become homeowners

ST. EUSTATIUS--After more than a decade of legal, administrative and policy efforts, the Government of St. Eustatius has begun transferring ownership of homes in the Golden Rock community to residents, marking a significant step in a housing initiative first approved in 2015.

The first resident officially became a homeowner on Friday, October 2, 2026, followed by three additional residents who signed their deeds of transfer before the notary on Friday, October 9. The four residents are the first to complete the process under an initiative that will allow eligible tenants to purchase their homes.

Acting Island Governor Sharon Hassell signed the deeds on behalf of the Government and congratulated the new homeowners. Island Commissioner Reuben Merkman, who holds responsibility for housing, was also present to congratulate the residents on reaching the milestone.

Additional signings are scheduled for the coming week as the Government continues transferring properties to eligible residents.

The initiative dates back to 2015, when the Island Council first endorsed the proposal to provide Golden Rock residents with the opportunity to purchase their homes. However, legal and administrative complications prevented the plan from moving forward for several years.

A breakthrough came in June 2022 with the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Government of Statia, the Statia Housing Foundation and the Dutch Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning.

Further progress followed on February 27, 2025, when the Island Council unanimously approved the sale of 25 homes through Island Council Decision 002/2025, establishing the formal basis for the property transfers.

Commissioner Merkman subsequently worked with government departments and other stakeholders to complete the remaining legal and administrative requirements. The sales process was formally launched in January 2026, paving the way for the first residents to receive ownership of their properties this month.

Reflecting on the achievement, Merkman acknowledged the years of preparation and the significance of homeownership for the families involved.

"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," Merkman said.

Each of the properties has undergone an individual appraisal to determine its value. Revenue generated through the sales will be reinvested in the renovation of social housing, allowing the proceeds to support improvements to the island's wider housing stock.

The Government credited the combined efforts of the Island Council, Executive Council, Statia Housing Foundation, Programme and Project Management Office (PPMO), legal advisors, the notary and the public servants who worked to bring the initiative to completion.

The first transfers represent a significant development for residents who have spent years waiting for the opportunity to secure legal ownership of the homes they occupy.

The Government expressed appreciation for the patience and cooperation of the residents throughout the lengthy process and reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to safe, secure and affordable housing on St. Eustatius.

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