We’re talking about +Weststraat and Werfstraat, Oranjestad
Things are moving along nicely on these two streets in Oranjestad, behind the cruise ship terminal. The great neglect is apparently being replaced by revival efforts.
This is a recent update:
The Harms family is helping several artists by using their building at a VERY low rental, same applies to Harbour House, with nine current resident artists. Developer Franz Sydow is completing the Papiamento rum distillery, in the old ice factory, which will become a tourist draw. Richard Eman is converting his building, more information down the road.
These are all private sector initiatives.
The neighborhood has been asking APA, namely Mark Figueroa, to open that 2nd gate. They have been begging for three years, to no avail. They are asking APA to open it for passengers to leave the harbour, as a secondary option. To enter, they must use the main gate.
We’re still optimistic, it will happen one day. That simple executive decision without asking for ANY FUNDS from GOA would change this whole area. It will transform it from a ghost town, failed by the Mar Azul bankruptcy, and the famous disappeared teen, into the “Weststraat Art District”
Similarly, to what happened in Wynwood, Miami. Change must be led by the private sector working together but, GOA needs to help. If GOA is too broke to offer fiscal incentives, it should at least get out of the way and not obstruct ideas, nor complicate things. In the case of Weststraat and Wilhelminastraat the private sector is really involved in investing, which is not the case, for example, with Caya Grandi, Caya Betico Croes.
In Oranjestad, on the waterfront, the new project called Casa Playa, is the former Royal Plaza. It was just announced to brokers as available with 62 condos, all with parking, and a rooftop beautiful pool overlooking Paardenbai, replacing the current grey dome, to add a WOW factor.
Some anchor stores remain, facing L.G. Smith Blvd, Shivas, Little Switzerland, Tommy Hilfiger, Iguana Joe’s and Casa del Habano.
Labour shortages
AHATA recently confirmed the industry needs 1,500 more workers in order to accommodate the need of the existing room inventory plus two new resorts the Iberostar Grand on Eagle Beach and the St Regis, on Palm Beach.
Since we don’t know what else is in the pipeline besides additional 741 condo units, we cannot plan.
According to AHATA, GOA has never been transparent about what projects are approved, so when the labour shortage hits us, we are not surprised.
While Otmar Oduber is not our favorite politician in the world, and we are unclear about his motives to side with the undocumented segment of our population, his recent comments are correct.
And there must be a reason why he made them, because he doesn’t do anything without a personal interest, political or economic.
Nonetheless, in view of the cries for help from the industry, it makes more sense to legalize for example Venezuelans without legal status already here, with a clean record vs bringing new Dominicans, Colombians, or more Venezuelans, who will eventually also stay, adding to the immigration burden, as is currently happening, under the radar. There is good money being made by the few that can obtain permits, and GOA gets its share by taxing them, but the trickle, must become a steady flow, in order to keep the level of service up.
Another long-term solution, would be for more locals to join the productive hospitality sector, and reduce the amount of unproductive public workers. Easier said than done.
