CASTRIES, St. Lucia, July 2, 2017 (CMC) – The St. Lucia government says it welcomes the decision by luxury hotel operator, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, to construct a 120-room hotel, here, saying the project underscores the Allen Chastanet government’s efforts to bring increased investment, sustainable employment, economic activity and development to the south of the island.
“There has been many an attempt for you to come to St. Lucia, and I am glad that it has finally come through. On behalf of the government of St. Lucia, I want to say how grateful we are for the confidence you have (shown) in Saint Lucia, and how much we look forward to working with you in promoting our destination,” Prime Minister Chastanet said.
The US$220 million hotel, which is expected to be opened in 2019, will be built in the west coast village of Choiseul and will feature 40 private residential villas, on over 25 acres of beach front property.
“We are thrilled to be announcing this exciting new resort development on St. Lucia, a premium destination of choice in the Caribbean,” said Kevin Frid, Chief Operating Officer, North and Central America, AccorHotels, of which Fairmont is now a member.
A statement, from the Office of the Prime Minister, quoted the Minister for Commerce, International Trade, Investment, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs, Bradly Felix, as indicating that the project heralds the “beginning of the long-awaited infrastructural transformation that Choiseul needs, in order to bring out its true potential and generate a greater level of economic activity.
“As a community, rich in culture, arts and craft, talent, creativity and natural assets, we welcome the construction of this luxury hotel in Sab Wisha, which will further enhance and augment the natural ambiance of our simply beautiful community,” the Minister added.
He predicted that Choiseul is now poised to become a significant contributor to the island’s economic, social, financial growth and development.
“It is imperative therefore, that we take full advantage of this opportunity, by bringing out our best talent, craft work, knowledge and skills, in enabling Choiseul to become a more vibrant, attractive and driven community, where our locals and foreign visitors actually want to escape to,” he added.
The statement noted that among the benefits of the hotel to the community is the creation of jobs, training, improved standard of living, reduction in the poverty rate, increased economic activity, creation of new micro and small businesses, enhancement and conservation of the environment, revitalization of the local arts and craft sector and improvement in road infrastructure.
Chairman of Invest Saint Lucia, Pinkley Francis, said that the project was a sign of increased investor confidence in Saint Lucia.
He also identified the linkages that will be created: “Our farmers have much to look forward to. With Choiseul’s enviable reputation, as a sustainable farming community, the linkage between agriculture and tourism will be solidified once this project comes on stream. While this resort is valued at US$220 million, the value of the GP Group’s investment into the island is far greater.
“The fact that the internationally acclaimed Fairmont Hotels and Resorts have agreed to brand this new resort, is indeed a significant demonstration of investor confidence in St. Lucia.”