Wednesday’s announcement by Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI Egbert Doran that a new permit had been signed for a Planet Hollywood Hotel at the site of the former Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort (see related story) is in principle good news. The prior version was declared invalid in court based on objections by a nearby resident.
The devil is in the details, of course, and Doran would not discuss revisions, but did say the first permit had been issued in phases, which was unlawful. Whether or not any adjustments in the second will satisfy the complainant and possibly a judge remains to be seen.
When asked about rumours that the developer had already left the island, Doran said he had no idea where these came from, but that the party who picked up and paid for the permit was very enthusiastic about the project of Canadian travel organisation Sunwing. Keep in mind that obtaining the original, now void, permit reportedly cost 900,000 Netherlands Antillean guilders.
Separate from technical issues and requirements, there is no denying that a brand-new visitor accommodation originally planned with 450 rooms would give a much-needed economic boost both during construction and – especially – when it opens.
Canada has become an increasingly significant source market for the island with carriers such as Air Canada and WestJet offering regular flight service from Toronto and Montreal. Incoming travel from the comparatively low-coronavirus-risk North American country is again allowed, but could take some time to recover certainly until the winter season.
Despite the stated intention to make the envisioned property all-inclusive, particularly Philipsburg stands to benefit. Although these kinds of guests may eat in often, many do not rent a car and the downtown shopping area is just a short walk away.
If the resort can be built safely and in an environmentally responsible manner, it would no doubt mean an enormous plus in terms of generating jobs, earnings and business, as well as providing a welcome show of confidence in the destination.
