SXMElections.com

MARIGOT--The Territorial Council adopted the main elements of the current Marigot Bay waterfront project on Thursday, the first time the project has been voted on. Much has been written on the project already and now with the major study phases completed the project moves to the bidding phase for an investor in a few months’ time, it was understood.

It was disclosed that the project is now estimated at close to 300 million euros. The majority voted 16 for, the opposition abstained and independent Councillor Jules Charville voted against.

“The development of modern berthing facilities for yachts and cruise ships, and the expansion and modernisation of our existing interisland ferry terminal, will collectively help St. Martin become more competitive globally as a tourism destination,” said St. Martin Tourism Office President Jeanne Rogers-Vanterpool. “I am also convinced that this project will ultimately help to improve both the tourism product and the brand image of Marigot in particular and St. Martin in general.

   “The significant level of investment which will be required for the completion of a successful project should also positively impact the livelihoods of our residents through the creation of job opportunities during the construction phase. Our part of the island will also benefit from the project by the numerous future jobs it will create.

“During the course of the past few weeks, I have personally had the opportunity to listen to the comments of several of stakeholders. Most of them agree that the modernisation and expansion of the Marigot Harbour is a desirable future project for the development of St. Martin, but they have also listed some concerns and needs which we must ensure are incorporated into the final project design.

“This project must serve the future needs of both locals and visitors alike if it is to achieve success, but it must also be commercially viable enough to attract the level of investment funding that will be required to make it a reality.

“Our Government must, therefore, face up boldly to the need to strike a sustainable balance between the needs of all stakeholders, including the investors themselves with whom we must be prepared to negotiate sensibly, but creatively, in a targeted manner.

“I want to reassure my colleagues and the general public that we will do all that is necessary to ensure that this Marigot Harbour Enhancement project becomes a successful reality and that it will result in new infrastructure of which future generations of our people can be proud.

“In the final analysis, the vision for this project is for Marigot’s reputation as a desirable port-of-call for discerning cruisers to be enhanced significantly, without destroying the present architectural and cultural characteristics of the town. Passengers in transit to neighbouring islands must enjoy such a great passage through St. Martin that they would want to tell their family and friends about their Marigot experience, while deciding themselves to come back to sample more of St. Martin as a result.”