The return of a regular cruise ship and frequent tenders from Dockyard has had a hugely positive effect on the community of St George, according to Quinell Francis.

But the town’s mayor is quick to stress the vital importance of progress on two other fronts: the marina development and the St Regis hotel, before a true revival can be hailed in the East End.

She admits that the delays on the marina project have been frustrating, while the lack of progress on the hotel development in recent weeks has also been a concern.

“Initially I was concerned that progress with the new hotel seemed to have slowed down, but within the last week I have seen an increase in activity down there,” Ms Francis said. “We have also seen portable office containers put down there too which is a good sign.

“They are still working on the road between Coots Pond Road and Barry Road. There is no indication at the moment when the road will be complete.

“In our conversations with the developer, they are still very positive about moving forward; they have acknowledged the road has taken longer than anticipated.

“We are still optimistic it’s going to happen; it’s something we have been waiting for, for a long time. The last meeting we had with the developer was before the election; but I feel we are being kept up-to-date with what is going on and we have scheduled a meeting for next week.”

Ms Francis acknowledged that the Corporation was still “financially strapped” and looking at ways of becoming more financially independent.

In the past year, major renovation work has been completed to Penno’s Wharf and also Hunter’s Wharf thanks to the $1.48 million grant provided under the previous administration.

“We met with municipalities minister Walton Brown last week and provided a list of priorities; the marina development is obviously at the top of that, second is working on the underground infrastructure of the town,” the mayor said.

“The new Cabinet will have to briefed on the marina and then we hope that legislation approving the 42-year-lease will go before the House of Assembly in this coming session.

“We have spoken with MP Renée Ming and as well as Mr Brown, and I believe the two of them are on board with the importance of this project.

“Once we get the legislation through, the plans can be submitted and we can move forward with the developers. If this all happens I hope that the marina can be ready for the beginning of the next summer season. The process has been very frustrating.”

This week work began on improvements to Ordnance Island, the bridge and also Market Wharf. The project is expected to take between four to six weeks and will cost about $550,000, which comes from Unesco funds.

The Corporation also plans to embark on upgrades to Somers Gardens and the Upper Town Hall, which has been closed since Hurricane Fabian.

“We are extremely pleased with the work that has been done,” Ms Francis said. “A new roof was put on the Penno’s warehouse and we have already had interest about the building. We hope to get a tenant in there soon.”

She added: “Overall the summer season has been a very positive one; the increase in cruise ships and the NCL tender have been excellent for St George’s.

“We definitely see more visitors coming to the town, and that’s a step in the right direction. The Millennium and the Bo Hengy II have worked really well in tandem bringing in people from Dockyard.

“The Bo Hengy was out of service for about a month and we did notice a decline in visitors during that time; but now it is back running we can see an increase in passengers coming to St George’s.

“I feel we have handled the return of a regular cruise ship well; we have had entrepreneurs put on different activities. The package is definitely improving for our visitors.”