Chairman asserts confidence in Sandals’ Beaches Resort

CHAIRMAN of Sandals Resorts International (SRI) Gordon “Butch” Stewart is confident that the planned US$400 000 million Beaches Resort property set to be built in St. Peter will play a major role in attracting more visitors and airlines to Barbados, therefore helping the Barbados economy to recover.

The Chairman delivered the assurance last Friday evening, during a visit to the old Almond property, Heywoods, St. Peter site, earmarked for the multi-million dollar, world class Resort, where he told Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, that during construction of the 600- bedroom property, which will be the single largest investment in its international chain, to date, it is expected that 1 800 Barbadians will be employed throughout the 27-month process, which should start by January 2018.

An on-site train, bowling alley, zip line, massive water park, and other unmatched amenities, will be included in the Resort. 

As she delivered remarks, Prime Minister Mottley said that the coming Beaches Resort is good news for Barbados’ struggling economy, and gave the assurance that all approvals had been granted so that the project can start as soon as the new year rings in. 

“I am deeply conscious as was indicated, that subject to all of the relevant permissions being put in place, that this project will start in early January for the benefit of both the owners and shareholders of Sandals, but equally as important to the people and workers of Barbados. I therefore am happy to be associated here this afternoon, and to say that I have every confidence that you are going to be in a position to start very shortly. The reality also is for us as we have indicated, that this is part of the light that is necessary to bring hope and to help Barbados out of this very different set of circumstances,” Prime Minister Mottley said.

“We are on course in a manner in which we have set out to get out of this difficult period, and to be able to inspire Barbadians and those wanting to do business in Barbados, that there is not only hope ahead of us, but there is the reality of true prosperity for all ahead of us,” the Prime Minister added. 

Meanwhile, Chairman Stewart, said he does not think the amount of rooms that will be included in the Resort, explains properly, truly how modern the planned property is going to be.

“It is easily the most modern product that we have. In my view, it is the finest family resort anywhere in the entire world. The designs of the bedrooms; the most basic bedrooms have a huge bedroom for the parents, room for the kids, two bathrooms…,” Stewart explained. 

“More importantly I think is that the quality of this particular resort is one that we are, I can’t tell you how proud of…,” the Chairman added.

In delivering brief remarks, Symmonds said that Barbadians are lucky to have the development unfold at this critical time in the country’s history. Symmonds said he was especially pleased that such a large amount of workers will be employed during the construction of the Resort.

“I think that it sends a very positive signal to all who have ears to hear and eyes to see, that the investment potential of this country is alive and well, and that there is still an elasticity of demand. I have weathered a little bit of a storm since coming to the Ministry of Tourism. At every turn one was told that it was impossible to ride out a situation, in which, because we had no alternatives we had to make things a little bit more expensive by way of taxation on the tourism sector. The naysayers, not withstanding, we are today in a position where we are happy to report that there has been a demonstrated elasticity of demand as far as Barbados’ tourism market is concerned, and that American Airlines continues to expand their flights into the country. I want to be very brief today, to say thank you very much Mr. Stewart, we warmly welcome the partnership, and we are looking forward to building on that as we go forward,” Minister Symmonds said. (AH)