Editorial – October 11, 2013 :
So why this talk of Rendezvous Bay with its white sand beach, perfect resort and secluded environment and signature hotel, concluding with the reopening of the Vue Pointe Hotel?
It has all to do with the burning issue that haunts the island with what Premier Meade considers to be just over 10% unemployment, a distortion by his own explanations of the work and opportunities available in Montserrat.
Other than the imagined opportunities for new and young entrepreneurs, opportunities that older private sector and businesses are obviously oblivious to, the Premier speaks repeatedly to what he admits are sporadic employment for construction workers. The truth of that is there is no new work and when the substantial number of people who are employed in the manner he describes, while it is certainly better than nothing, hardship abounds.
In addition to this, there are those who, particularly in the private sector do not know the word increment or raise to their salary/wage, a little mention not those who do not know the words salary or wage.
This simply is the background upon which we say, the action, “…will begin to grow the population and the economic future will look much brighter. It would take such little time for that to begin to show a change.” More and more we believe this with the background information and knowledge available.
The following are sound arguments and goals from a study led by Dr. Lydia Pulsipher and written 10 years ago. This came eight years after the crisis began in 1995m when already it was believed that there was a slowing down or it was understood, how the volcano would behave. Five years later, DFID hinted their own satisfaction and since 2010, we have not seen ash, and the popular question today is, “What volcano?
In a thesis, “A Proposal for Knowledge based Tourism in Montserrat”, Dr. Pulsipher gave this back ground to develop what she calls Revival of Residential Tourism. This we contend is easy to do and does not require any grea study or consultation. It’s been done many times over.
Pulsipher writes: “At least 200 of Montserrat’s stock of villas remain useable. If these houses were each occupied just two months out of the year by by just two people who spend US$300 per capita per day (for food, utilities, service, transport, entertainment, rent or home maintenance) for these 60 days, this sector of tourism would bring in US$7.2 mil. That is nearly $20,000,000.00.”
Pulsipher suggests, be sure that Montserrat is the primary beneficiary of tourism development, while creating a product that advances human rights and democratic processes
Build on Montserrat’s present niche in the tourism market and develop additional locally designed and implemented tourism products.
Make optimal use of Montserrat’s social and natural capital for comprehensive social and physical sustainability.
Create intellectually and financially rewarding jobs for Montserratians.
Create a tourism experience that advances civil society by engaging the intellect and encourages humanitarian responses in visitor and host, alike.
Capture the maximum of tourist expenditures for the local economy.
Who cannot identify with these? Dr. Pulsipher explains, “essential perquisites for this component are the replacement of the airport, golf course, and club house destroyed by the volcano. Air travel is favored by those likely to inhabit the villas and golf is an activity highly valued by them for exercise and social activities.” Add to these the plans to develop the other tourism infrastructure. The Vue Pointe Hotel is ready made with convention buildings and facility.
What is saddening about this, we have learnt recent studies and advisors, have advised the Government this is the way to go, but they obviously turn a blind eye and deaf ears. So what is the investment of Three million dollars which will earn returns in much government revenue, in such a short time to the island.
Other OECS states did exactly this when lesser natural disasters forced their economy into decline. They invested in what they knew brought back revenue and resource to their people.
This is not reluctance, but without any explanations as to why it is desirous to have people go through the pains without end in sight must leave the concerned with the words that come easiest when the suspicions become more glaring and are left to mount.
If someone doesn’t believe the reality and economic boost this will bring, it is because they want Montserrat to remain where it is in the economic realm of the pits.
This we believe is modest. Facilitate the reopening of the Vue Pointe; And, as things are today there would not be enough workers of all kinds in Montserrat to fill the need that would arise when those 200 or more home owners decide to renovate, rebuild, add the new construction as Montserrat shows that life continued and is ready flourish to welcome those offer the uniqueness of the island. Build now on the A1 road rehabilitation, while waiting for the dream of five years hence.
