Indigenous Investment Ltd., a Grenadian owned Development Company, has prepared the Marquis Point Resort Plan that would facilitate a Hotel Resort, Recreational and Residential areas, as well as to initiate a Town Center for the Parish.

The presentation was made by Mr. Anslem La Touche at the regular weekly meeting of the HSTF, which took place at the Board Room of the Agency for Reconstruction and Development (ARD) on June 22. It is the hope of Indigenous Investments Ltd. that the proposed development will create jobs and enhance commercial activities in St. David by attracting investors and business ventures from other commercial areas in the Parish.

The meeting was chaired by the acting Senior Planner in the Physical Planning Unit, Mr. Fabian Purcell, a member of the HSTF. Mr. Purcell noted that the birthing of a Town Area for St. David is in keeping with the recommendation of the National Physical Development Plan to develop the outer parishes.

“In order to curb rural urban migration, we need to lay a great emphasis on Human Settlement planning,” Mr. Purcell said.

The Marquis Point Resort is the first proposal by the Company and it is anticipated that marketing of the Residential area would include a retiree settlement.

ARD Chief Executive Officer Richardson Andrews suggested that the development of a medical complex be taken into consideration to help facilitate the needs of the residents.

“A group of health providers which can provide a complex of services in a significant facility should be encouraged to enhance the attraction of the settlement,” Mr. Andrews said.

Members of the Human Settlement Task Force stressed the need for the development of a proper sewerage plan in conjunction with the National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA).

In addition, the members stressed that social factors be taken into account in the development plan to ensure neighbouring communities are not alienated, but are integrated.

Company officials welcomed the suggestions by the HSTF members and agreed to consider the suggestions as the planning process continues.

The HSTF was established by the ARD in July 2005 and comprises representatives of all public sector land related agencies in Grenada.