Our Grenada Blog

This is a blog of our life in Grenada, our thoughts on life and the way we view things around us, the way we see life through our sometimes rose colored glasses.

Oct 03

2007

Developments on island...

Posted by Neil and Moni in houses, development

Prickly Bay Waterside Development

Moni and i were talking about the many developments which are happening around the island right now and what we realised, and what really disappointed us, was that Grenada is slowly losing its uniqueness.

The developers have descended on the island and their only interest is in the bottom line...they are here to make money. (Of course! They want a return on their investment.)

The government has literally turned a blind eye to what is happening, giving everyone the placebo that these developments will attract visitors, provide employment and everyone will benefit.

At what cost?

Grand Harbour Development

What is the point of all these developments if the 'spice' in 'Spice Isle', which everyone who visits loves our island for, is gone?

Short sighted development that in the long run will do more harm than good...

Yes, we need development, no doubt about it. If we do not continue to grow, then there will be no development, no jobs, standard of living will drop..etc. etc .

We all know the consequences. What we need is well thought out investment, and that seems to be missing.

Ask yourself...when you think of Grenada, what comes to mind? Is it the smiling people, our overt friendliness and relaxed way of life? Or, is it ultra modern condos, marinas and villas stacked almost on top of each other which only make you feel like you are in the tourist traps of Europe?

Of course, few of them exude the charm of a Caribbean design.

They tend to look either ultra modern, or caricatures of 'Island Homes', built too tall or too modern.

The advertisements for these homes are something to behold.
One developer has put a photo of a beach and island on their poster, which is not even in Grenada and was taken 20 years ago. It bears no relation to what they are selling now.
Another has photoshopped away all signs of adjacent hotels, roads or infrastructure...you almost don't recognise the place.
Yes, you are trying to sell an idea or way of life , not particularly what you see on a billboard...(buyer beware!)

Golden Eye Development Jamaica

There is a fine line between development and exploitation. I wonder how close to that line we are now?

Some of Grenada's Developments: Mount Cinnamon Have a look at their Artist's Impression - Master Plan

Grand Harbour look at their Gallery!

Prickly Bay Waterside

A couple weeks ago, I was surfing the web and found the
Golden Eye Development in Jamaica, which looks so nice and offers real Caribbean Charme - That's the kind of development I would love to see in Grenada.

We would love to hear what you think about these new Developments in Grenada.

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SHARLYN said:

IT'S ALL ABOUT GREED. GRENADA IS A VERY BEAUTIFUL ISLAND THAT NEEDS A BOOST IN TOURISM BUT THE GOV'T IS BEING VERY GREEDY. THEY SHOULD THINK ABOUT THE WELFARE OF THE NATIONALS FIRST BEFORE THEY THINK ABOUT OUTSIDERS. THEY NEED TO FIX THE ROADS, THE HOUSES THE HAD BEEN DESTROYED BY IVAN AND OTHER THINGS THAT NEED TO BE FIXED BEFORE THEY FIX THEIR POCKETS. I'M AFRAID IT MIGHT HAVE ANOTHR REVOLUTION. SINCE WHEN THIS ISLAND BECAME PART OF THE U.S.? EVERYBODY SEEMS TO LIKE THE YANKEE DOLLAR THEY KEEP QUOTING U.S. FOR MOSTLY EVERYTHING ON THE ISLAND. ENOUGH SAID "THAT'S ME JUST THINKING OUT LOUD" smilies/wink.gif

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October 08, 2007
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mymoosie said:

	Very sad to read this. That Prickly Bay is an eyesore IMO. If we wanted South Beach we would go to South Beach, not Grenada. Progress is good, but not at the expense of losing your unique charm and culture. I do hope the Government wakes up and realize what is happening and not sell out Grenada.
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October 06, 2007
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L_W_N said:

As I have said before, GDA needs investment, but like you said at what cost, the powers that be needs to step back now, and take another look at what is actually happening before it is too late. I would like to advise all Grenadians who are abroad, now is the time ( if you can) to return home and buy a little piece of land before it is all gone, or has become so expensive, that only those who are well off will be able to afford it.

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October 04, 2007
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brewa said:

Otherwise Grenada will end up just like "the Gap" in Barbados or the "Hotel Zone" in Cancun. Just another tropical beach destination. I think the Government should have some heritage officers (non-political) that reviews development plans and approves or reject them based on how they fit in with both the landscape and the history and "vibes" of the Nation. I would hate to see Grenada become yet another playground for the rich and leave all us lower and middle class folk out in the cold!

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October 04, 2007
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