SXMElections.com

POINTE BLANCHE--The Master Plan for St. Maarten Quarter, a US $120 million mixed-use waterfront development project by Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL), officially received approval by the Council of Ministers (COM) on March 26, which RCCL Vice President of Commercial Development John Tercek described as the last step needed before the project can "go full steam" ahead.

Tercek was notified officially by a letter signed by Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs on behalf of COM, although government previously had expressed satisfaction after a well-received presentation in early March.

During the presentation, the group urged swift approval so that the project could be announced at the global Seatrade Cruise Shipping Conference in Miami in the week of March 17, amongst international industry players and travel and trade media.

The project still was announced at Seatrade in the presence of Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Claret Connor.

Prime Minister Gumbs called the proposed project something that, in COM's opinion, would enhance the tourism product "tremendously."

According to the presentation, the next steps entail commencing detailed design and attaining relevant permits. The group anticipates that as the project was designed in conformance with zoning codes the process will be fairly straightforward and construction can start in this year's fourth quarter. The project should be ready for the 2017-18 winter season.

Tercek said the project, which will be located next to Port St. Maarten, "will introduce world-class brands in retail, hospitality, dining, entertainment and attractions that will strengthen St Maarten's position as a leading tourism destination in the region."

It is expected to generate more than 250 jobs during construction and more than 400 jobs after completion.