From Caribbean News Now

ROSEAU, Dominica — Earlier this month, the government of Dominica signed agreements for three additional major developments under the citizenship by investment (CBI) programme, which it said will “transform the economy”.

At a signing ceremony on Monday, September 5, 2016, agreements were signed with Bois Cotlette Development Inc for the development of Bois Cotlette Estate in Soufriere; Ay Ay Holdings Caribbean Ltd for Jungle Bay Resort in Morne Acouma, Soufriere and Oriental Developers Caribbean Ltd for the development of Silver Beach Resort and Spa in Picard, Portsmouth.

These three major investments have been months in making and, along with existing approved projects, are expected to create thousands of jobs in Dominica.

Following a process of vetting, prime minister and minister for finance, Roosevelt Skerrit, said he is confident that the developers will carry through with the terms and conditions of the contracts.

The three new projects join the Cabrits Resort Kempinski, which is currently under construction and due for completion in 2018 [and the planned construction of 316 residential units for displaced residents of Petite Savanne following the passage of Tropical Storm Erika, to be financed by the CBI programme].

Developed by award-winning international property company Range Developments, the Cabrits Resort Kempinski was designed by Arcadia Design Architects. The building work is being carried out by contractor NH International (Caribbean) Ltd.

It will be run by Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group, the Kempinski Hotels, which was founded in 1897 and manages a portfolio of 75 five-star hotels in 31 countries.

On completion, the resort in Douglas Bay, near Portsmouth, will boast a 160-room hotel with a spa, and a selection of swimming pools, beach bars and restaurants. It is expected to employ 400 people daily on site once up and running.

“The Cabrits Resort Kempinski, currently under construction by Range Developments, is not only the first CBI approved project in Dominica, but the most advanced in the country as the only CBI approved project under construction in Dominica,” said Mohammed Asaria, vice chairman of Range Developments. “It is the company’s second major development in the Caribbean and will benefit not only its investors but all the citizens of Dominica.”

Meanwhile, work will commence on the Silver Beach Resort and Spa early next year and is forecast to take about two-and-a-half years.

The resort, in Picard, also near Portsmouth, will feature a 200-capacity room with conference and banquet facilities, a wellness spa, swimming pools including, an infinity and lagoon pool and top end restaurants.

The five-star hotel will employ 600 staff when fully operational.

Alick Lawrence, CBI agent for the Silver Beach developers, promised the resort would contribute to surrounding communities, and plans to partner with government and the town of Portsmouth to construct a community centre for Zicack and Chance.

“Silver Beach will not be just another resort. It will be one which represents and showcases the natural attributes of the Nature Isle,” he added.

Status of current projects

Two developers responded to requests for details of the latest status of their projects:

1. The Cabrits Resort Kempinski

cabrits_site_work.jpg
Construction well underway at the Cabrits Resort Kempinski

Development name: The Cabrits Resort Kempinski, Dominica
Developer: Range Developments
Architect: Arcadia Design Architects
Contractor: NH International (Caribbean) Ltd
Location: Douglas Bay, close to the town of Portsmouth in the north of Dominica
Size and facilities: 160-room hotel with swimming pools, spa, beach bars and restaurants
Status: Construction began in June 2016, with completion scheduled for 2018. The mockup room has been completed.
The current number of workers on the site: 100 people daily
Projected number of workers on the site: 400 people daily
Developer experience: Range Developments is an international property company focusing on hotel resorts in the Caribbean. This is Range Developments’ second project in the Caribbean. The Park Hyatt St Kitts, currently under construction with completion due within months, won the prestigious Best New Hotel Construction and Design in the Caribbean 2014-2015 award at The International Property Awards 2014-2015. It also won the coveted award of Best International New Hotel Construction and Design 2014-2015.

The Kempinski hotel group: Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski’s rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Kempinski now manages a portfolio of 75 five-star hotels in 31 countries and continues to add new properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Each one reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands.

2. Silver Beach Resort and Spa

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Artist’s impression of the proposed Silver Beach Resort and Spa

Development name: Silver Beach Resort and Spa
Developer: Oriental Developers (Caribbean) Ltd
Architect: Arkiplan
Location: Picard, Dominica
Size and facilities: 200-room, luxury resort inclusive of conference/banquet facilities; wellness spa; swim up pools, infinity pool, lagoon pool; grand, master, and presidential suites; water sport activities; fine dining restaurants, and all the amenities of a five-star resort
Status: Date approved: Agreement officially signed with the government of Dominica on September 5, 2016
Construction started: To commence first quarter 2017
Completion scheduled: 30 months after the start of construction

IMAGE: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit (L) hands over the development agreement for Silver Beach Resort and Spa to CBI agent Alick Lawrence