It appears the cat is out of the bag regarding a second location for the Pearl of China project (see related story). The convention and training centre with apartments will reportedly rise across from Raoul Illidge Sports Complex, while the hotel is to remain at nearby Belair Beach as intended.
For those concerned about the size of the project this news should be somewhat reassuring, in terms of the original site being overbuilt. Splitting the two makes sense regarding the burden on the environment, infrastructure, utilities, etc.
There have been a lot of critical comments on the initiative, often referring to less-than-positive experiences with Chinese ventures elsewhere. However, rather than using these examples to reject the entire idea, learning from them and avoiding the same mistakes would seem the wise approach.
The fact of the matter is that St. Maarten can well do with the expected economic impulse from the construction of new accommodations and visits of those who are to occupy them. Perhaps figures mentioned in the past were a bit overly optimistic, but if the plans are realised as presented, the impact could be considerable.
Let’s face it: potential investors in the island’s tourism product aren’t exactly standing in line. Until proven otherwise, the Pearl of China deserves the benefit of the doubt.
