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Government committed to ensure local contractors benefit from major development projects, says PM Douglas
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| St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas (right) congratulates Mr. Kenrik Simmomds, son of former Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Hon. Sir Kennedy Simmonds, who company SSTS, has the contract to demolish the unfinished building on the |
| By: Erasmus Williams, CUOPM |
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BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, SEPTEMBER 27TH 2009 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas said he is pleased to see local contractors involved in the Cockleshell Bay Development Project and has reiterated his government’s commitment to ensure that local contractors benefit from major construction developments in the twin-island Federation.
Speaking at the recent ceremony at which development and management agreements were signed for the construction of the US$860 million Cockleshell Bay Development on St. Kitts’ Southeast Peninsula, Prime Minister Douglas said he is cognizant of the importance of sustaining a strong foundation for tourism growth and development which includes people empowerment and human resource development, strategic niche marketing and environmental and heritage protection.
Dr. Douglas, who is also Minister of Tourism and Sustainable Development, complimented St. Michael’s Development Foundation for including local contractors and service providers in the project.
“It warms my heart that at least three of our local businessmen and expertise are already involved in the construction and development of this particular project. I am very pleased that Mr. Regiwell Francis, Mr. Nicholas Brisbane and Mr. Dwight Francis would be part in a very significant way in the shaping of the Cockleshell Bay Development,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
He said his Government has given local contractors the assurance that everything will be done to ensure they get an opportunity to participate in the investment opportunities if they are to benefit from his government’s empowerment programme.
Prime Minister Douglas said his Cabinet had recently approved a package of recommendations that will incentivize the local contractors to be engaged in what is happening in the development of St. Kitts and Nevis.
150 Kittitians and Nevisians and 30 local subcontractors are employed on the US$30 million Silver Reef St. Kitts Resort at Frigate Bay.
At the multi-million Ocean’s Edge Resort Development, also at Frigate Bay, 12 local companies are employed as sub-contractors. Of the 120 persons employed 86 are nationals. EC$40 million has been spent on Phase One of the project and the next phase will incur expenditure of EC$50 million.
Silver Reef St. Kitts, when completed will comprise of 62 villas and apartments on 4.5 acres of land in Frigate Bay and is set amidst lush gardens on the edge of the Royal St. Kitts Golf Course with spectacular views of both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
Ocean’s Edge Master Plan will see the construction of 188 condominium units including 74 one-two-and three bedroom Beach Front Apartments and 48 two and three bed-room poolside, beachside and hillside Apartments; a 120-seat restaurant, a 150-seat conference suite; beach club house and restaurant, four swimming pools, fitness center, spa and Arrivals/Reception Hall.
The 153-acre Cockleshell Bay Development, includes a 125-room Park Hyatt Resort and Spa, a 100-condominium Park Hyatt Residence, 86 Estate Villas and the Cockleshell Bay Marina Village with a 160-slip marina and 234 condominium and Town homes.
Work is also continuing on the 18-hole championship Tom Fazio-designed golf course and the first home of the US$2.5 billion Christophe Harbour Development on the Southeast Peninsula.
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