CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – THE recent meeting between the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) and representatives of Four Seasons Resorts which took place in Miami, has been described as fruitful.

Premier and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Joseph Parry, who led the local delegation, said they were given assurances that the project “will be going forward”.

According to Premier Parry, Wachovia Bank – which was represented at the meeting – would seek to own the local resort through foreclosure. He said the bank would restore the 196 rooms but has envisaged a number of changes before a planned reopening by year end.

“Changes include working on making sure that if another storm surge comes, the hotel will reopen in a matter of weeks instead of taking a year or more.”

The Premier said an announcement on when work on the resort’s restoration would begin would be made in May. He said contractors have already been chosen for the project and would be working concurrently to facilitate an early completion.

Premier Parry sought to quell fears that locals will be overlooked for jobs when the rebuilding starts.

“From the point of view of the government, we insisted that Nevisians be given work since this is a way of boosting economic activity in this period of recession.”

According to Parry, the NIA also has to make certain concessions to ensure the project is viable.

“One or two things we did not agree on, but the point is the project is moving forward.”

The Premier was accompanied to the meeting by Financial Secretary Laurie Lawrence and Legal Adviser Patrice Nisbett.

Over 600 employees were laid off in March after the Four Seasons Resort was struggling to recover from damages caused by Hurricane Omar in October 2008.