Thursday June 1st 2005 witnessed semi-euphoria as some 400 Irish investors converged upon the Radisson Hotel in the heart of Dublin to participate in the launching of Sapphire Cove by the developers Premier Corporation of Ireland - the development is aimed to interest Irish investors in the St. Lucia based project in time for the Cricket World Cup in 2007.The reception was accompanied by a steel band from London, a three dimensional display of the project and hundreds of professionally prepared brochures and superb entertainment.

At least ten members of the hard core investors, family and friends familiarised the future property owners with the beauty and opportunities in St. Lucia and Mr. Tom Colton, CFO gave a detail plan of the company’s investment which consisted of 300 town houses, a 160-room boutique hotel, a 4000-delegate conference center a major water park and a 18 hole PGA Golf Course.

The main feature of the evening was a tremendous, charismatic and informative address by Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Kenny D. Anthony, who penet (pictured).

Ireland, in the past twelve years, has progressed from the poor relatives of Europe to a bubbling economy whose citizens have spent billions of dollars on second homes in Spain and Florida.

Two contractors have held detailed discussions with the promoters with a view to undertaking the major responsibility of breaking ground on September 1st, 2005.

The first phase will encompass the construction of the Town Houses in an effort to provide some 700 rooms for ICC World Cup 2007. The latest concept for such mega investments is one of individual ownership when a developer is not saddled with a huge loan. This way, the investment can remain financially prosperous from the word go and, more so, individuals owners can promote and occupy their investments.

This lucrative concept comes at a time when European investors are clambering to have second homes away from the overcrowded resorts in Europe. Another major feature of the investment, is the construction of the 18-hole Golf Course which has become a major draw card for the wealthy and the expectation of a 5 star resort in the making is a feature which cannot be overlooked.

At this moment, two well known charter companies have expressed their desire to provide a weekly direct service between Dublin and St. Lucia, but options remain on the cards foe a shuttle between Dublin and Gatwick as Virgin Atlantic are disposed to increase their three weekly flights to St. Lucia as the load factor increases.

The St. Lucia Tourist Board and SLHTA have their work well cut out as St. Lucia prepares itself for increased accommodation. The availability of artisans and essential building materials need to be addressed for the vast and unusual constructions on the cards.
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