Planning the island revitalization, Crawford envisioned the role of Longridge Partners for the island revitalization and proposed to assist with the management of the island’s stalled estate, Canouan Estate, and proposed to work along with other stakeholders, as well as to provide his golf estate maintenance expertise. Crawford appreciates the economic potential that Canouan Island, which is the closest neighbor to Mustique Island, holds. Longridge’s co-founder, John Clark, is well known for his economic and tourism development work on Mustique.
Finding Similarities in Mustique’s Success
Longridge Partners has a history with the Grenadines. Grenadines’ Longridge Partners’ history comes from co-founder John Clark, who contributed to the transformation of Mustique from a quiet island to a luxury destination. In 1988, Mustique had a natural appeal to the ultra-wealthy but had a lack of New developments. Along with other property owners, Clark formed the Mustique Company, a partnership that would stabilize and help the island prosper.
Clark’s time at Mustique provided plenty of experience and insight into Canouan’s potential. In 2010, Clark changed his focus from Mustique to Canouan. Canouan had wonderful features, such as an oceanside golf course and a private airport. However, in the early days of the Canouan Estate resort, the island had an uplifting vibrance that has since faded, as Clark has pointed out.
The Longridge Proposal: Restoring Stability and Promoting Growth
To help Canouan regain its former vibrancy, Longridge Partners has been asked to take on new governance responsibilities. Crawford indicated that the company plans to work with the government and other stakeholders and with the island’s local communities to cope with the island’s challenges. Crossing the challenges includes the management of the Canouan Estate, and the golf course’s maintenance and management as well as new developments that will stimulate economic activity on the island.
For Longridge, one of the most important aspects of the proposal will involve reconfiguring the lease agreement on the island to shift its focus more strongly toward governance, managing the island’s economic growth, and hopefully, Longridge’s economic growth. Crawford stated that Longridge’s plan will assist the local community’s integration with the local tourism industry.
Improving Access and Infrastructure
Making it easier for people to reach Canouan Island is an important part of this proposal. Longridge Partners intends to advocate for the restoration of the island’s airport and commercial jetty to enable the island to reach and serve tourists and residents. Crawford spoke of upgrading Canouan’s infrastructure to keep up with the growing demand from the tourism sector and the local population.
Longridge is also focused on building the community. The company plans to improve the living conditions of local villagers by creating jobs and fostering sustainable development. As Crawford said, development will not solely focus on high-end tourist amenities but will also focus on supporting and uplifting the residents.
Community Engagement and Economic Prosperity
Longridge Partners aims for more than just luxury development. They are also committed to building Canouan’s community to be more sustainable and lively. Crawford mentions the vision for tourism and community development to be cohesive. The articulated governance model may assist in the networking of villa owners and local merchants, and unite community support toward collaboration and achievement.
The company mentions community and government collaboration as part of the development to ensure balanced tourism and community welfare. Crawford also states that Canouan’s outstanding beauty deserves economic development, and that Longridge is eager to partner with community members and government in achieving this balance.
Change is Needed: An Appeal to the Golf Cabinet
Crawford wants Canouan to have more stability, and wants the Government of St. Vincent to prime the Canouan economy. By understanding the potential of structured governance and focused tourism development, Canouan will achieve relative success. Longridge believes that with the Government and other stakeholders, Canouan will attain success relative to what Mustique has enjoyed over the decades.
The company`s suggestions imply that development must embrace equilibrium, particularly with respect to attracting affluent tourists and to the improvement of everyday life for the local populace. Longridge seeks to create development that permits the tourism economic benefits to “trickle down.”
A New Era for Canouan Island
Canouan Island stands at a crossroads, with possibilities for real change and growth. Longridge Partners’ proposal puts a new lens on governance and development. One that puts community first, along with sustainability and economic growth. Given the appropriate support, Canouan has an opportunity to be a model for high-end tourism while positively impacting the community.
As Longridge develops its proposal, the island’s vision for the future is clear. Canouan’s natural beauty can be integrated with high-quality service, active participation within the community, and lasting economic growth.
Tags: Longridge Partners, Canouan Island, Mackenzie Crawford, southern Grenadines, sustainable development, St. Vincent’s Government
