PM Skerrit commends CBI for the successful reopening of Jungle Bay hotel. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has congratulated Jungle Bay Resort & Spa owner Sam Raphael and Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI) for the successful re-opening of the luxurious hotel.
The new 5-star hotel in Morne Acouma, Soufriere, was partially destroyed after being hit by Hurricane Erika in August 2015. It was also hit by Hurricane Maria. The hotel suffered the two hurricane disasters within three and half years, owner Same Raphael at the reopening ceremony. The occasion had PM Skerrit in attendance.
Skerrit said CBI funded the complete reconstruction of the hotel, saying the gesture “is a testament to the benefits which we have been deriving from this programmme.” He commended the agency for its many robust programmes which are targeted at bringing immense development to the nation.
Hotel owner Raphael dedicated the reopening to Dominicans resident home and abroad. He tasked Dominicans everywhere to see the reopening as an invitation to invest more in developing their home country. He said there are significant investment opportunities for everyone to tap into since the government has created an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Many people lost their jobs when the Jungle Bay got hit by storms a few years back. And many of these might regain their employment with the reopening. Only the first phase of the hotel reconstruction has been achieved, with the second phase to be completed next year. About 60 locals are permanently employed at the hotel and the number is expected to rise to 160 when the second phase is fully completed in 2020.
Once complete, the luxury hotel will have –
- 85 rooms
- Two restaurants
- 14 studio spas
- Two yoga studios
- Several swimming pools
- Several other facilities
As at the reopening, 30 rooms were fully ready for lodging but the rest will be completed by the second phase.
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