Grenada is chock full of breathtakingly beautiful spots and the more sentimental among us sometime wish that they could remain that way into the infinite future.
Similarly Grenada is also endowed with a tidy number of investors armed with a dream, an abundance of courage and a large dose of ambition.
Sadly however, some of these investors in pursuit of their dreams disregard the preservation of the island’s natural beauty. In fact I think this is a phenomenon around the world.
Others though try as best as they can to fit whatever physical development or infrastructure that their investment calls for harmoniously into the natural environment in many cases even enhancing it and creating a positive change which future generations would be proud of.
A company called Indigenous Investment is about to transform the Parish of St. David, more specifically the La Sagesse area with an initiative called the Pointe Marquis development project.
This endeavor will not only enhance the natural appeal of the Pointe Marquis area but will serve as a hub of economic activity which is now lacking in St. David’s.

The origin of the Point marquis project

One of the founders and original members of the company Indigenous Investments Mr. Kenny John, in a conversation with The Barnacle exuded unfettered enthusiasm for and absolute faith in the project and the soundness of the decision to embark on it.
The important thing is that he was not only excited about it as and investment that should yield attractive returns, he was equally enthused by the potential of the initiative to assist in the overall development of St. David’s and its people bringing jobs and economic activity.
John, giving a background of Pointe Marquis said it is a project being done by a group of local investors. Its genesis was over three years ago when a group of friends sat talking about the need to get together and do something towards their country’s development.
The opportunity he said presented itself when they learned of a company that had some land to sell in St. David’s.
Incidentally Pointe Marquis was not the original plot of land the company had gone after but after failing in their bid for the first one Pointe marquis came after and according to the young investor this seemed to be an act of God who knew exactly what they were looking for.
Land secured, the company now embarked on a process that included countless hours of discussions about what they really wanted to do that would fulfill their intentions. In other words, now we have the land that we wanted to develop, how do we want to develop it?

What is the Pointe marquis project?

None of the founding investors wanted the project to be just another one of cutting up land and selling it. They all wanted something better and decided that what they eventually produced would be of the highest quality. To that end mechanism was put in place to ensure this.
Bids were invited for a pane of the development from architects in Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Barbados. A Barbadian company won out in the end because its designs were in line with developments that are taking place in the region. They were excellent designs for development.
The Pointe marquis project has both residential and commercial dimensions and it includes a lot of green areas, nature trails and other attractive features suitable to the area.
A full Environmental Impact study was done by Dr. Valma Jessamy during the process of laying down the plans to the project proceeds with the safety and preservation of the environment as a major consideration.
The final plan includes a 14 acre hotel site and an area for a condominium close to the waterfront.
There are 300 plats of land to be sold, there will be a clubhouse which will have a number of amenities for the residents. Amenities like tennis courts, squash courts and a swimming pool. Amenities also include underground utilities which will minimize damage in the event of a storm and make restoration faster.
There will also be an executive village which would cater for retirees and semi-retirees who want to live in a community where they can feel very secure and have the benefits of a location where their comfort needs are in close proximity.
There will be a number of pastures and open spaces, features that the land lends itself to naturally and many other aspects of the design intend to make life as comfortable and peaceful as possible for residents.

The Benefits of the Project

John said the commercial section will be the exciting part since the intention is to create a complete town center in St. David’s with full supermarket, vendors’ market, theatre, cinema, a number of shopping spaces and centers of financial service. In fact according to john a number of banks have already made requests.
John admits that the project is a huge undertaking and a number of engineers are already working on the road which is wide at 18 feet with a 7 foot verge on either side and in some places a three foot sidewalk is added. A landscape architect has also been contracted.
The young businessman explained that while the area will not be totally restricted there will be enough control to ensure the quality of people’s investment and that the lifestyle is maintained.
The buying public it seems is already catching on to the Pointe marquis appeal as the first phase was almost sold out even before the launch. John said the price was reasonable, people got a treat and the response was tremendous. Sixty-three of the sixty-nine lots in the first phase have been sold. The company is now working on the second phase which involves over 100 lots in terms of cutting roads etc.
Certainly this being a multi-faceted project and the fact that it includes both commercial and residential aspects will impact positively on the economy of the area.
The commercial district will provide farmers in the parish with a central place to sell their produce while providing many other jobs. The residential aspect as well will provide jobs for domestic and landscape workers along with childcare and other service providers.
John said the project will create new economic dynamics with relation to trade especially as there is no real commercial area between Grand Anse and Grenville on the Eastern side.

The road to success

John described the Pointe Marquis project as the best planned such development in Grenada so far. The infrastructure that will be placed there along with the beauty of the area itself and exquisite planning lend themselves to success.
He said this is a case of a group of local not being scared of getting together as Grenadians and seizing the opportunity to invest.
It is a business model based on the principle of not settling for mediocrity and not trying to find the cheapest way out. They are employing the best professionals to do various aspects of the project and will not “skimp” on the dollar.
Eventually the company will not only sell plots but will build and sell as well and the intention is to have a 5 star hotel occupy the hotel site.

The people involved

The founding members of Indigenous Investment are Dr. Patrick Antoine who was the main person sourcing the location, Paul Antoine, Renee Mathlin and Kenny John. Later the more mature investing members came on board like Mr. Chester John, Dr. Anslem La Touche, Reuben Thomas, Mr. Stewart, Dr. Lendore and others.

Conclusion  

John encourages everyone looking for the lifestyle they deserve to come and talk to Indigenous Investments. The project is taking place right opposite the La Sagesse Playing Field and you are welcome to come and view.