Full steam ahead

Chukka Caribbean Adventures is pushing ahead with plans to transform Harrison Cave into a full family experience in spite of the delay created by Covid-19.

In fact, Chief Executive Officer Marc Melville outlined its plans remain unchanged for the $9 million first phase of development, which will see the creation of a zip line, suspended bridge, challenge course, free fall platform and dry slide, amongst other features at the St. Thomas site.

Giving the phase a six-month timeline, he outlined work will commence with the July 2 reopening of the cave.

Speaking to the media yesterday at the Courtyard Marriott, he expressed confidence that while there was a “slow burn” for the return of tourism to the region, many visitors and locals were eager to get outside and experience new adventures.

Melville therefore was optimistic that with the reopening of borders there will be “a dramatic increase in tourists coming and spending”, and noted the new cave experience will be poised to take full advantage of this forecast.

In addition, the new operators insisted with the various features, persons could make the visit to the attraction a full day family event and return multiple times to take advantage of the property’s offerings.

“This will be a destination and not just a stop,” he added.

Country Manager, Andrea Franklin noted the hiring process and training started in 2020,and 26 persons from the Cave of Barbados operation were now employed once again at the site.

“Right now we have abut 40 persons earmarked who will be part of the start up team and then as we wrap up and add the additional activities, the eventual staff count will be about 90 to 95 persons by the time the project is completed,” she stated.

She outlined that for now the cave will mainly be operating from 8.30 a.m. until 4.30 p.m. Fridays to Sundays, with cruise ship bookings being accommodated on other days if necessary. In celebration of the opening, locals can enter at the special rate of $46 for locals, and one child under the age of 12 can enter for free with a paying adult.

Bookings will be encouraged to be made online due to Covid-19 protocols to prevent large crowds.