Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell has hailed the start of the biggest tourism project ever to be undertaken in Grenada as one which will bring benefits to all Grenadians.
Speaking at the Sod Turning Ceremony of the Port Louis Development ,Prime Minister Mitchell praised developer Peter de Savary for his interest in Grenada.
He recognised de Savary as a developer who was prepared to work with Government and the people to ensure that his developments are not only successful but also add to the prosperity of the destination.
These sentiments were endorsed by Grenada's Minister of Tourism Brenda Hood who told the audience that "Grenada is now poised to become one of the top tourism destinations in the Caribbean."
Minister Hood complemented the local hoteliers, restaurateurs, tour guides and other service providers for shaking off the impact of Hurricane Ivan.
"Our tourism product is being developed by resilient, creative and hardworking people who are prepared to place the needs of their country first", she said.
"I want to say that in almost every case persons have built back their businesses better. We have not been daunted by Ivan, we now are at a point where our facilities and services are better that they have ever been", she added.
The Minister also noted that there was now very serious tourism investment taking place in Grenada.
She cited the Port Louis Grenada project, as a shining example of the level of investment which Grenada was now attracting.
De Savary noted that his group was not interested in making Grenada another Dubai or Las Vegas but was instead focused on creating a high quality, unique product.
De Savary also described the many rewards which Port Louis would bring to Grenada.
He described Port Louis Grenada as not just a unique club for wealthy persons but a high class development which would result in business and jobs for a wide variety of persons from all sections of the population.
The EC$1.5 billion (US$555 million) Port Louis Grenada will be a mixed use resort maritime community development.
The project will include: A world class marina with yachting facilities for yachts up to 90 metres, 36 estate lots for individual houses, 280 residential units varying in size and use from turnkey 2400 square feet homes to more modest 900 square feet village apartments.
It also entails a 120 room 5-star hotel with all the amenities of a luxury establishment, a world class premier spa and well being lifestyle centre for Port Louis residents and other visitors to Grenada, a 120 room mid range hotel catering to the tourist market, revitalization of the southern end of the lagoon area including the reclamation and renovation of the seafront, revitalization and augmentation of Pandy Beach to compliment that of Grand Anse including water sports, beach extension, diving and other elements, Employment prospects of between 500-800 staff with excellent training and career opportunities for Grenadians.
Within the Caribbean and West Indies, Port Louis will be a unique comprehensive village community of charm and character including a vibrant market with a waterfront of exciting activities.
