by Linda Straker
- Mt Hartman Project one of 3 projects presently under construction
- CBI project that will cost US$2.9 billion will be constructed in 4 phases
- Project within land designated as a sanctuary for endangered Grenada Dove
The Chinese company investing billions in the Mt Hartman Resort project is expected to pay no less than US$55 million for ownership of the land, but they will not receive land ownership documents until all the money is paid to the Government of Grenada.
“I am relatively confident with the people there; they have already invested in an enormous sum. Government has received some serious money, at least US$20 million already that is cash in the bank for the sale of the land. We expect another US$35 million in the not too distance future,” Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell said during a special interview with journalists.
He did not provide the acreage of the land nor the timeline set for the final payment. An approved Citizenship by Investment (CBI) project that will cost US$2.9 billion will be constructed in 4 phases. It will include among other things, hotels and spas, health facilities, a shopping centre and a marina.
“They will not invest that kind of money and not stay because if they invest and not perform, they tend to lose those resources. They will not own the land until they make a complete payment.” The Prime Minister admitted that initially, he had some doubts because of the past history with that location and investors.
Several investors began working on that project which is in the southern peninsula within the land designated as a sanctuary for the endangered Grenada Dove. All projects failed to materialise the promised hotel property because investors encountered financial challenges.
Dr Mitchell said that currently there several activities ongoing on the project site which include engineering and survey work. “A lot of money is being spent there by the developers and we are confident, based on the research we have done, that the individuals do have the resources to meet their responsibilities,” he said.
The Mt Hartman Project is one of 3 major tourism development projects that are presently under construction. The government anticipates that these projects will play a significant role to propel employment during the construction phase as the country feels the negative fiscal effects of Covid-19.
Upon completion, it is also anticipated that these projects will lead to an increase in permanent employment for hundreds in the hospitality sector.
I must say this is ridiculous. they only pay less than $55 million for mt.hartman and hog island too? this is crazy, ridiculous and stupid. first of all. they should have asked billions for the land because that land is worth billions of dollars. secondly dont just sell out the whole damnnn place to some foreigners!
I am all for development but first of all. The Government should not sell out huge amounts of land to foreign investors and secondly in time to come when Grenadians create wealth and are ready to invest into development where are there going to be lands.
I also want people to know that the Grenadian people should be at fault. First of all you Grenadian people don’t want to create development to help create jobs and employment and giving families a means of income and revenue and secondly Grenadians people never had an interest in developing their own country. So while we run our mouth on the Government and foreigners. We have never come up with ways to help build and develop our country.
first of all the government should have never sold out the land to these Chinese investors and secondly. even if they did they should have asked billions of dollars for it or should have just sold a quarter or one fourth of the land because where are Grenadian people going to get land when time comes? like I mean cmon. you want money to pay teachers but you need to know how to manage your land. this is just ridiculous.
Selling selling selling. And of course tax free concessions so we get nothing out of this apart from low paying slave labour jobs. And that is a good thing? Really?
Anyone who stands up for the protection of our beautiful island is labeled by the prime minister as ‘stupid’.
This highlights the dire need of the country for real and purposeful leadership. That’s the only way we can save our country from being China’s scavengers.
Until Grenada manages to get foreign investment in proper healthcare the tourist industry will never reach maximum potential.
My family has been traveling to Grenada for weeks in the summertime since before Ivan.
We brought many people with us as we are scuba instructors, but now sad to say our sister dive shop D2O is no longer there since the Rex was bought out. So much has changed, foreign investors are buying up the country. Grenada will never be the same again and for that reason we’re out, we will never return. We will treasure memories of Grenada as she was and mourn the loss of the last real Caribbean island.
Blessing to all our dear friends there especially everyone at The Gem where we stayed for so many years, we will miss you more then word can say…
Totally agree with every word you have said….It’s a very very sad sign of the times andV of our beloved ‘Spice Island…..
Yes, I agree with you. The Egyptian of Silver Sands now has enlisted local real estate to harass all family members who have any interest along Grand Grand Anse to sell out to this man. He is aiming to buy the whole beach. Seeing what gas happened at La Sagesse nakes me weep. Niw the Dove sanctuary gonevto the Chinese and a horrifyingly huge development planned there plus Levera, there will be no True Grenada left which is the reason I travel there, just a bunch of greedy self serving foreign ownership who will continue to tell the government how to sell off the rest of the island.
Grenada is for sale, thank the government for selling your home…
Cry, the beloved country.
This is more than terrible. No development for the people. Is China a tourist destination? No, they develop their country for their people. Take yourself to China and try to buy and develop their land. Let’s see how far you’d get. Total sellout. Schools and hospitals need to be built. Children working hard in school to become what, somebody’s maid, waiter, housekeeper? In their own country? This is disgraceful.
You are so right but what is the solution? We have a medical school, why don’t we have a teaching hospital?
Yes I agree with you but what about the Grenadian people creating development in their own country. it has never been said and done.
WTF?? You selling the chunks this much land plus Levera plus you let them have the Dove sanctuary. Idiots .