[GolfandSun]

Originally Posted by spk7951

Not Texas, at least at this point in time. Interesting story in Sundays Leesburg Daily Commercial:




Developer expands into Barbados

Published: Sunday, October 14, 2012
THE VILLAGES
Staff Report


Villages developer H. Gary Morse not only is building what is considered the fastest growing retirement community in the nation, but also has a hand in $750 million marina project under way on the Caribbean island of Barbados.

Morse is a shareholder along with four others in the 15-acre Port Ferdinand marina project in St. Peter that will provide 300 jobs when completed. Ground was broken in 2009 and the first phase of the five-year project is expected to be finished by December. The first of the project's 96 resort condominium units went on sale earlier this year.

"Gary is no stranger to the Caribbean, having done developments in the Bahamas, Montserrat and Jamaica, and has been coming here to Barbados for the last 13 years," said shareholder Bjorn Bjerkham, who is also chairman of Port Ferdinand SRL. "It is very heartening that a successful businessman like Gary Morse has the confidence in Barbados and in this project. The investment of Gary's talents, resources and vast experience will help make this development a success."

The project, which also will have 120 berths for large boats in its own marina, is five-minute drive from Speightstown, the island's oldest city, and about 30 minutes from the airport. The developers call it "a remote boat lover's paradise, yet all of life's luxuries and conveniences are close at hand or just a short water taxi away."

Port Ferdinand neighbors Barbados' only other private luxury marina, Port St. Charles; a sister marina for which residents of Port Ferdinand will have membership to the exclusive yacht club.

Morse owns Cracker Bay, a 147-foot yacht last spotted at Port St. Charles in 2009.

Bjerkhamn praised Morse's involvement in the Port Ferdinand project, which is providing a local construction company, Jada Building Inc., with much needed jobs

"At this time when investors are running for the hills, (Morse) is contributing to the economic well-being of Barbados, as well as helping us to keep more than 1,000 workers at Jada employed," Bjerkhamn said.

Congratulations to you and Barbados.