Beaches Hotel Project Still On The Cards

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Economy

Wednesday, 19 December 2012 02:30

By Carol Williams

Antigua, St. John's - First it was on, then it was off. Now it appears that the world renowned Beaches hotel brand may be coming to Antigua.

Finance and Economy Minister Harold Lovell told the House of Representatives that discussions are actively taking place with Jamaican hotel tycoon Gordon "Butch" Stewart on the US$140 million project that will transform the existing Grand Pineapple Beach Hotel at Long Bay into the family brand.

Stewart announced in October that the funds earmarked for the project were being utilised elsewhere in light of political wrangling here over the proposal.

News subsequently emerged that the Grenada Government had wooed the Sandals brand to its shores by agreeing to waive the company’s payment of corporate taxes for 25 years, and further placing a cap on Sandals’ property taxes for 25 years among other incentives.

In Antigua, Government representatives charged that the opposition Antigua Labour Party, including Member of Parliament for the area Robin Yearwood, had politicised the issue.

This has been denied by Yearwood, who said while he was not opposed to the project, he agreed with protesting vendors that the development would potentially cut off their access to the beach.

During his presentation of the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure on Monday, Minister Lovell noted that Stewart has had a special and mutually beneficial relationship with Antigua & Barbuda since he chose this country to be the first location outside Jamaica as a home for the Sandals brand.

"That is why the negotiations continue and we are positive that Antigua & Barbuda will become a Beaches destination. Over the past several weeks, a committee headed by Mr Cortwright Marshall has been engaged in meaningful discussions with stakeholders in an effort to allay any concerns, and ensure that this opportunity to promote economic growth and create jobs is not squandered," he said.

"Those discussions have been fruitful, and I can say that the majority of stakeholders are now on board. As we have sought to build consensus around this matter, this administration has had a particular purpose and a steadfast goal of securing a project for Antigua & Barbuda that will enhance the economic and social well-being of our people."

The development is projected to generate about 400 construction-sector jobs and 600 jobs in the hotel sector.

Government is clearing the way for the entry of the Beaches brand by constructing a $5 million Long Bay Public Park to be completed by next July.

"Development of the Long Bay Public Park will begin in the first quarter of 2013 and will involve new roads and beach parking, building up the beach area, vendors’ kiosks and a new water sports facility, installing public restrooms and showers, and development of a kids’ play area. It will also boast at least three restaurants, including a fine dining restaurant," the minister announced.

Other tourism-related projects for which construction is scheduled to begin next year include the US$253 million Pearns Point Residences that will include a 5-star boutique hotel, the US$25 million Honeymoon Beach Project, expansion of the Admiral’s Inn at English Harbour at a cost of US$6.8 million, and the US$35 million redevelopment and expansion of the Jumby Bay Resort.

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