It was good to read in today’s paper that longstanding plans for a seaside boardwalk between the cruise terminal and the Great Bay beach promenade are back on the table. As pointed out in this column on numerous occasions, the current walk to Philipsburg along Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard with large trailer trucks and other heavy vehicles driving up and down to the cargo port remains risky, despite the completion of recent roadworks and guardrails along the street.
It’s also unattractive and certainly not encouraging. Of course, people coming off the ships can also take tenders to get to the downtown shopping centre and/or beach, but many prefer not to do so for a variety of reasons.
It seemed legal issues between the harbour company and some of the property owners might keep the existing idea from ever bearing fruit, but both Dock Maarten and Bobby’s Marina have now apparently committed to facilitating its realisation. Following the opening of Rockland Rainforest Adventure Park this would signify a second major cruise-related project since the catastrophic passage of record-strength Atlantic Hurricane Irma devastated the island last year.
That the development will cut down on harassment of passengers as they come out of the gate is an added benefit, although care must still be taken the same thing doesn’t happen when they reach areas accessible to the public in the future. It should also provide a much more inviting sight when approaching the capital, whereby both first and last impressions are often very important.
Along with other initiatives to create a festive yet secure environment at the ferry landings and in the city centre, this will hopefully contribute to a successful high season for the local business community and consequently the island in general.
