The newest development planned for Grenada is a mega resort currently being built by developer Peter de Savary, an international businessman, in partnership with Ritz Carlton. Port Louis, the island’s largest project since Hurricane Luis (in 1995), offers new opportunities for both visitors and residents.
The capital of the “spice island,” St. George’s, is undergoing a complete redevelopment and is being restored as one of the quaintest and most attractive ports in the Caribbean with a combination of colonial British, French, and Georgian architecture sprinkled throughout the city. Now independent with a democratically-elected government, it is a member of the Commonwealth and the Caribbean Free Trade Organization (CARICOM). When I visited in early March, de Savary had broken ground at the Port Louis Project and was moving forward.
The developer is no stranger to challenges, having been responsible for the regeneration of substantial areas of industrial waste land into very successful projects both in the UK and USA. De Savary has to his credit many international resorts (including the Abaco Club in the Bahamas), thirteen shipyards, and a significant international ship refueling company. He has been at the helm of three oil refineries and has managed royal and government farms in the Middle East.
A knowledgeable sailor, de Savary participated in the 17-nation Admirals Cup in 1981 and led the British team for the America’s Cup Challenge in 1983. Port Louis was a cooperate sponsor of the 2007 La Source Festival in Grenada and will also sponsor the keel boat South Coast Race Day, now to be called the Port Louis South Coast Ocean Triangle Series. To assist incoming tourists, Mr. de Savary has donated an eight-passenger Golf Cart to the Point Salines International Airport. Mr. de Savary described the many rewards which Port Louis would bring to Grenada: “not just a unique club for the wealthy, but a high class development which will result in business and jobs for a wide variety of persons from all sections of the population.”
When developing a project of this magnitude it is important to keep the people in mind. I spoke with several locals who all agreed that this project provides many opportunities for Grenadians. Each hopes that the project managers will listen to the citizens of Grenada and will maintain an open dialogue with their needs and opinions. Davide Constantini, manager of Prickly Pear Marina on Grenada’s south coast, told me, “We welcome any developments and marinas, which improve the facilities available to yacht and boat owners living in, and visiting, Grenada and the Grenadines.” Local taxi driver Curtis Freeman and his friend, boat operator Ashley, both told me, “This is a good investment for our island and Mr. de Savary is very generous. However, our government never came to the people for a referendum and we, as a people, need input on all matters concerning Grenada.”
Grenada’s Prime Minister, The Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, has hailed the project as “the biggest tourism project ever to be undertaken in Grenada, one which will bring benefits to all Grenadians and will definitely put Grenada on the vacation map. The opportunities for our people will be dynamic, providing many new jobs, careers, training and the opportunity to benefit the Grenadian community at large.”
PORT LOUIS PLANS INCLUDE:
- Revitalization of the lagoon area including reclamation of the seafront.
- 350-slip marina with facilities for yachts up to 90 metres.
- Revitalization of Pandy Beach and Grand Anse including water sports, beach extension, diving, etc.
- An EC$1.5 billion resort and maritime village
- A 120-room five-star hotel
- A 120-room mid-range hotel
- A spa and well-being centre.
- 36 estate lots for individual houses.
- 280 residential units from 3000 sq ft homes to 900 sq ft apartments.
- A village community including a market with waterfront activities.
- Employment prospects of 500-800 staff, with career opportunities for Grenadians.
