Richmond St. Ann

Business View Magazine 5 “I went, took a look and I loved it,” he said. “From there, I just documented what was in his head, in terms of his vision. Having documented it, I’ve been given the task of implementing it, which is basically what I’ve been doing. We did all the designs, submit- ted them for approval, obtained approval in 2007 and commenced construction.” The global recession that hit shortly after work began was enough to make an impact, but it didn’t stop the process. Bennett said a decision was made to contin- ue with smaller steps rather than halting momentum, with the idea in mind that the economy would continue cycle itself back to health. The first phase of development – comprising 356 houses – is now complete, as is an initial phase of 123 apartments. A 373-unit phase of houses known as “Coolshade” is under construction, and Bennett said 180 of those planned homes have already been sold. “If you come to the property now, what you would see is a completed, nice-looking Phase I – which we call ‘The Palms’ – with all the amenities in and beautifully capturing what our vision was,” he said. “We estimate, based on how our sales are now, that we’re likely to finish Phase II of the homes in another year and three- quarters. We’re also pushing the apartments, and we think we’ll finish the next phase of the apartments – which is another seven blocks – in another year. “We’re going to have a total of 23 blocks, but we have to be very strategic.” Sixty-five percent of the houses/apartments are being purchased by buyers from within the Jamaican diaspo - BEST PRACTICES IN BUSINESS