I read on another SXM board that Cheryl's will close for the season on May 29 because of the impending destruction and reconstruction of the area between Pedro's and Kontiki. I know plans call for new building each to house two restaurants with shops between them. Also know that all eight restaurants; Cheryl's, Chez Leandra, Ethnic, Aloha, Sun Beach, Orange Fever, and the other two restaurant whose names escape me, all will be able to re establish there. Does anyone know which ones will definitely be back. I assume the rents will now be astronomical with the new construction. Any information would be appreciated.

This has been discussed here several times. Here is one recent thread.

here is an older one.

Hopefully the "renovations" will correct the pervasive sewage smell in that area.

What smell. Been there these last two weeks and no smell at all. You must have this beach confused with Friers.

We've been going there for years and I haven't noticed and sewage smell.... Where on Orient did you experience this?

We've spent a lot of time on Orient over the years. and have never noticed a "pervasive sewer smell" either. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Count me in as someone who's never smelled sewage. OTOH, a smoother parking lot would be a lot nicer.

I've smelled it but the prevailing easterlies usually blow the smell inland and away from the beach. But he's right, it is there.

Noticed on the last 3 visits to SXM, as you approach the very end of the public beach, strongest just before the last restaurant before Pedro's.

There was a cinderblock building behind Ethnic and Chez Leandra which was actually a "Pay to P" building. If you were eating at Ethnic or Chez, you could get a "ticket" to use the facility. The smell was pretty bad there. I don't know if the building is still there, but that is possibly where the sewerage smell is coming from

That must be the source, it seemed to be coming from behind those establishments.

It might be coming from all the seaweed decomposing at the ferry dock that takes you to Pinel. It was horrible today.

Mountains of it everywhere.

I've only seen it on the Atlantic side so far these last two weeks.