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CDB delegation concludes mission to St. Kitts and Nevis

CDB delegation
The CDB delegation and officials from the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis during a meeting held on October 6, 2017, the final day of the mission.

A team from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) visited the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis from October 2 to 6 to discuss the country’s development priorities, and to determine the main areas of intervention that CDB could support over the period 2017 to 2021.
While in St. Kitts and Nevis, the Bank’s delegation met with Government officials and representatives from the private sector. The discussions also focused on the country’s key development challenges; and the role and work of other development partners who provide support to St. Kitts and Nevis. At the end of the mission, the Bank’s delegation, headed by Director of Economics, Dr. Justin Ram, met with a team of Government officials led by Financial Secretary Hilary Hazel.
Dr. Ram noted: “Given the priorities that have been identified during this visit, CDB is likely to support St. Kitts and Nevis in key areas of national development that are critical  for economic growth and social development.”
These areas could include assisting the Federation with developing a new National Vision document and Medium-Term Development Strategy, complemented by detailed implementation guidelines.  In addition, the CDB team held constructive discussions with the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis about the need for measures to improve overall project implementation. The Bank offered its support for the establishment of a delivery unit to accelerate implementation towards the achievement of the Government’s key development objectives.
Other areas of possible intervention include:

  • the rehabilitation of infrastructure such as roads and sea defenses, and slope stabilisation;
  • investments in the energy and water sector;
  • support to improve education outcomes;
  • capacity building in the hospitality industry;
  • improvements to the doing-business environment for micro, small and medium enterprises; and
  • social sector strengthening, particularly as it relates to gender equality.

In close consultation with the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, CDB will draft a Country Strategy Paper, which is scheduled for presentation to the Bank’s Board of Directors for approval in December 2017.
The Paper will be aligned with the Bank’s strategic objectives and the country’s National Adaptation Strategy (2006 to 2013), which has been extended to 2017.
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NCPC 4th Annual Productivity Awareness Week

NCPC

A Call To Empower Human Resources for Greater Productivity.

NCPC
As part of ongoing efforts to increase awareness and cultivate a greater sensitivity towards productivity and competitiveness among Saint Lucians, the National Productivity and Competitiveness Council (NCPC) of Saint Lucia is getting set to host its fourth annual Productivity Awareness Week (PAW) from October 16 to 20 under the theme: ‘Empowering Human Resources for Greater Productivity.’
According to Executive Director of the NCPC, Mrs. Fiona Hinkson, this year’s activities will focus on reinforcing the importance of investing in the human resource as means of enhancing productivity as this ultimately impacts Saint Lucia’s competitiveness and economic growth.
“Human capital is a firm’s greatest asset. By investing in the capacity and ability of employees, companies are able to drastically improve employee performance and productivity. A critical component in addressing the productivity and competitiveness challenges that we continue face, is ensuring that we are able to adapt to the ever-changing environment by equipping our employees with the necessary skillset to face these challenges. Training and development is the first step towards developing employees who are competent, productive and solution-oriented. We are happy to start this process by working with the Public Sector this year for Productivity Awareness Week.”
The highlight of Productivity Awareness Week will be three days of workshops drawing employees at all levels across the various Ministries and Departments within the public sector. This training will run from Monday, October 16 to Wednesday, October 18 at the Finance Administrative Centre at Pointe Seraphine.
Participants will tackle the theme of Emotional Intelligence on Days 1 and 2 in a workshop entitled, “Enhancing Productivity Using Emotional Intelligence.” These sessions will be co-ordinated by Trainer and Psychologist, Ms. Constance Akuffo-Paul of Employee Assistance Solutions.
Day 3 will be facilitated by local Human Resource and Business Consultancy and licensed facilitator of the FranklinCovey franchise in the Eastern Caribbean, Celestial Self Development Centre. The areas of Delegation, Employee Engagement and Motivation will be covered in a workshop coined “Building a Highly Empowered Workforce through Effective Delegation.”
The training exercises for the week will develop and build on some of the core skills which are critical to job performance. The attitudes and current practices among participants will be assessed with a view towards improving the employee efficiency.
The NCPC recognises the importance of productivity as an issue of national importance and has issued a wider call to the private sector and individuals to use Productivity Awareness Week as an opportunity to reflect on ways in which they can empower themselves for greater productivity.
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Reconstruction of Faber’s Road

Faber's Road

On Thursday, October 12th, a contract signing for the Reconstruction of Faber’s Road, between George Price Highway and Central American Boulevard was held at the Ministry of Works Conference Room in Belmopan. The scope of work is the rehabilitation of Faber’s Road which includes the construction of 2.5 km of reinforced concrete road pavement, 3.8 km of reinforced concrete sidewalk and side drains, and the construction of 1.6 km earthen trapezoidal drains commencing at Krooman Road to the Caribbean Sea. The eight-inch thick, high-strength, reinforced concrete is necessary to accommodate heavy-duty transport vehicles commuting to and from the Port of Belize. The 1.6 km of drainage from Krooman Lagoon to the Caribbean Sea will provide further flood mitigation in the general vicinity.  Other works include but are not limited to roadway clearance including the removal of any remnant structures, obstructions, fencing and the like within the road reserve, earthworks, and the installation of road center line markings.
The Government of Belize through the Ministry of Works considered the impacts on Faber’s road from regular wear and tear, increased traffic loads, infrequent maintenance, city and business expansion and the unpredictable effects of several tropical storms and hurricanes; it saw it crucial to fast-track the rehabilitation of Faber’s Road.  A selective tendering exercise took place; the Contractor’s offer was consistent with the engineer’s estimate and current construction rates. With no objection from the Contractor General the construction contract was awarded.
The Government of Belize signed the construction contract with Imer Hernandez Development Co. Ltd., in the amount of BZ$7,995,926.40, to carry out the reconstruction project.  It is anticipated that works will commence immediately and will bring much needed relief to deteriorated road conditions as well as employment for residents.  The supervision responsibility lies with the Ministry of Works.
The entire scope of works was submitted to and approved by the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) as part of the Southside Poverty Alleviation Project Phase 3.

Meeting of the Government of Haiti with Development Partners

IMF

A delegation of the Republic of Haiti led by the Minister of Economy and Finance and accompanied by the Minister of Planning and External Cooperation and the Governor of the Central Bank held discussions on October 12, 2017 with leaders of multilateral and bilateral institutions (henceforth development partners) involved in development efforts in Haiti. The meeting was convened by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a follow-up to conversations between the President of the Republic of Haiti and the Managing Director of the IMF, in the margin of the recent United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The Government of Haiti (GoH) and development partners agreed that economic and social stability are paramount to achieve sustainable growth and development objectives. Accordingly, the Haitian Authorities and the IMF committed to work toward completing an agreement on a six-month Staff-Monitored Program (SMP). Under this SMP, fiscal policy will focus on mobilizing domestic revenue to make room for needed increases in public investment, including investments in health, education, and social services. The program will benefit from development partners’ support to ensure the concessional financing of key strategic sectors and implementation of structural reforms while mitigating social impacts in order to allow for the success of the program. The SMP is to be designed to build a track record and support a future request by the GoH for an arrangement under the IMF’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF).
The GoH and development partners agreed that coordinated efforts are essential to address structural bottlenecks and implement key reforms in the energy sector, where large losses arising from the operations of the public electricity utility (EDH) have in recent years been responsible for approximately half of the public sector deficit. These reforms include increased flexibility in supplier pricing, reduction of administrative costs, improvement of billing and collection rates, rehabilitation and expansion of the national grid, and transition to lower-cost and renewable energy sources.
The GoH and development partners also identified improvements in public finance management as crucial to ensure long-term debt sustainability. Mobilization of domestic resources and institutional strengthening are also priorities. Haitian representatives cited agriculture, road and hydraulic infrastructures, reforestation and seed production, low income and affordable housing, information technology and technical and vocational training as areas where greater support is needed. All parties noted the need for the government of Haiti to foster a climate which facilitates investment and economic opportunity.
All parties agreed to maintain strong engagement to capitalize on the momentum for reform and economic development in Haiti. To facilitate investments and make optimal use of both domestic and development partner resources, the GoH committed to develop, in cooperation with domestic stakeholders and international partners, a long-term investment plan in order to sequence and prioritize needed investments.
Development partners and the GoH are committed to joint efforts to strengthen reform and project implementation, in order to lead the country to the path of sustained inclusive growth and poverty reduction.

Grants and Angel Investments unlock Summer Ltd Potential

Summer Ltd.

Grants and Angel Investments unlock Agribusiness Potential in the Caribbean – Summer Ltd.

Known for its spices and nutmeg production, Grenada offers great opportunities for agribusiness entrepreneurs willing to take risks and embark on a new business. Stephanie Ryan is one of them. In 2015, she and her partner Jim Jardine launched Summer Ltd, a company that produces healthy beverages from tropical fruits available on the island, such as mango, passion fruit, and coconut.
After a couple of years spent consolidating her business, Ryan is ready to expand across the Caribbean. LINK-Caribbean — a program that facilitates access to finance for promising Caribbean entrepreneurs — is supporting her business ambition through a $75,000 co-investment grant.
 Angel investors helped launch the business
 After visiting several Caribbean countries in a bid to find the best place to launch their company, in 2014, Ryan and Jardine settled on Grenada. “It’s a beautiful, safe island and the people are known for their warmth,” Ryan says.
“When we went to buy juice from the local grocery store we were surprised to find out that there was no commercial juicing facility on the island, despite the abundance of local fruit, so we contacted the government and started a conversation,” Ryan says. “We got lots of help with understanding the opportunities and the business climate and had some concessions offered with bringing in equipment. But there was no money or financing available.”
Ryan and Jardine got the much-needed capital from an angel investor. With the funding received, they rented and converted a 6,000 square foot warehouse from the Grenada Investment Development Corporation and imported the equipment to produce and bottle juices. With a state-of-the-art production facility up and running, Summer Ltd was officially launched in early 2015.
LINK-Caribbean is helping the company scale across the Caribbean
Summer Ltd. A year later, Ryan and Jardine began to seek additional funding to expand the business. Ryan recalls: “The more I heard about the grant tool the more it seemed like we were a logical fit. Beyond financial support, we also needed business advice and counsel to help in areas where we’re not experts.”
She explains why the business investor wanted to get involved: “The person has property in Grenada, is passionate about the island and wants the country to succeed. They are also interested in sustainability and the environment and really saw the potential for this opportunity.”
 Ryan and Jardine used the grant to refine their products, launch a new bottle size, and boost domestic and regional sales. Their promotional efforts include a new logo, revamped materials, and two new sales staff dedicated to growing the company’s market share in the fruit juice sector.
“People are excited about the tropical fruit flavors and eventually we’d like to be able to take that taste of the Caribbean abroad,” says Ryan. “The grant will allow us to market our product better and help us to differentiate ourselves as an island product.”
Summer Ltd.
 The future of the company is in new markets
The company has previously exported to Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom, and the United States but has not been able to establish steady sales channels. Ryan hopes the grant will help improve the situation, along with bolstering secondary marketing support.  She highlighted that being at the end of the supply chain meant the company was faced with some high costs related to infrastructure.  This coupled with the challenging transportation systems within the region makes accessing exports more difficult.  Ryan is pleased to be able to tap into any support mechanism that are available.
Summer Ltd. plans to expand its current staff of 17 employees and develop connections with the local tourism industry by offering tours of the production facility. “There are integration opportunities because people are interested in knowing how you pick a coconut or mango and make it into juice,” explains Ryan. “So we can see the potential for farmers to show tourists how it all works. Also we’re up in the north of the country where unemployment is traditionally high so any integration with tourism in this area would be an exciting opportunity.”
Summer Ltd.
As a seasoned entrepreneur, Ryan concluded our interview with a word of advice for other businesses in the region: “We came in thinking that we knew everything and didn’t need help but you need to take advantage of the different support mechanisms that are available through mentorships, grants and other financial tools. Do lots of research to understand the culture of the business environment and be resourceful. There is plenty of room for lots of successful businesses in the Caribbean region and people really want you to succeed.”

Invitation to Participate and Create – Kwéyòl Market 2017

Kwéyòl Market

The Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) in collaboration with the Folk Research Centre (FRC), Castries Constituency Council (CCC) and Events Company of Saint Lucia Inc. (ECSLI) present, Kwéyòl Market – a two day exciting and fun-filled yard fair.

The Kwéyòl Market is a platform for creative expression and commerce for Saint Lucian painters, designers, jewellery makers, sculptors, musicians, dancers, actors and confectioners as well as other artistes – the perfect opportunity to showcase uniquely Saint Lucian products and services as a precursor to the Jouné Kwéyòl festivities.
The Kwéyòl Market is the brainchild of the CDF and forms part of Arts and Heritage Month, under the Soleil Summer Festival.  The two-day open-air market is slated for Thursday 26th and Friday 27th October, 2017 at the Constitution Park between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on both days. The market will serve as a one-stop-shop for those visiting the space to be immersed in and embrace Saint Lucian Kwéyòl culture through its diverse facets.
The CDF invites all to be a part of this exciting and engaging activity. Interested persons are invited to a meeting at the CDF Conference Room located at Barnard Hill where further clarity will be given regarding the  Kwéyòl Market. This meeting is scheduled for Monday 16th October, 2017 and will commence promptly at 5:30 p.m. Registration has commenced and eager parties are invited to visit the CDF office ahead of Monday’s meeting.  Booths are limited and will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis. For more information contact the Cultural Development Foundation at +1-(758)-457-9021 or visit our website, www.cdfstlucia.org for further details and access to the registration form.

Download Registration Form

Anguilla on the Road to Recovery

Anguilla

The government has announced that recovery from Hurricane Irma is proceeding at an extraordinary pace. Phone and internet communications have been restored to most parts of the island. Roads and beaches have been cleared, there are no longer queues at petrol stations, and grocery stores are well provisioned. 

Many local restaurants have reopened, along with a number of hotels that are housing relief workers and UK government officials. Significant progress is also being made on the restoration of the electricity grid; power lines to many villages on the central line through Crocus Hill and The Valley have been restored in the weeks following Irma.

Chief minister, Victor Banks, has announced that plans are in place for the expansion of the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) and the reconstruction of the Blowing Point ferry terminal.
The British government has indicated that in short order they will be responding to the need to expand the airport. A team from the British Corps of Royal Engineers will oversee the project to extend the runway by 600 feet from its current 5,400 feet. The airport will remain open to private and commercial aircraft during this planned expansion period.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, the terminal at Blowing Point will be demolished.  Architectural plans have already been commissioned for the design and construction of the new facility.  Construction is expected to begin shortly, at which point a more detailed timeline will be provided.
Seaborne Airlines has also announced the resumption of service between Anguilla and San Juan beginning September 30, departing San Juan at 12:10pm to arrive in Anguilla at 1:15pm and departing Anguilla at 1:45pm to arrive in San Juan at 2:50pm
N.B. Seaborne Airlines also announced on its Facebook page that it will resume service on September 30 to Antigua, St. Kitts and Nevis, and to St Thomas on October 2, 2017.
Anyone wishing to immediately contribute to the relief effort can do so by sending donations to special accounts set up by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) for disaster relief.

Details on Disaster Relief Donations can be found here.

 
Hotel, Villa and Restaurant updates on Anguilla are as follows:

  • Carlisle Bay – 9/26 – Facebook Post: We are grateful to report Carlisle Bay was not damaged by Hurricane Irma, and all staff are safe.
  • Carimar Beach Club – 9/26 – Facebook Post: “December 21st, 2017: Grand Re-opening of Carimar Beach Club on Meads Bay. We are very confident that Carimar Beach Club will be fully operational with all services running at the beginning of the Christmas Season. Our property will be nicer than ever, everything will be repaired and repainted, part of the units will have brand-new bathrooms (this project was planned before the hurricane) and will most likely have one of the lushest and loveliest gardens we have ever had. A lot of your favorite restaurants will be reopened as well, including our neighbors Blanchard’s and the Beach Shack.”
  • CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa – 9/26 – Facebook Post: “Our Engineering Team has restored our generators to restart the reverse osmosis system and through the desalinization process, we are offering potable water on a complimentary basis to island residents, with the assistance of the Chief Minister and Anguilla’s Emergency Disaster Operations. Additionally, we expect to re-establish connection to our Reservations System this week, at which point outreach to clients with existing reservations will commence. As we continue our assessment, we would like to advise our guests and friends that we are anticipating closure for restoration to last through the summer of 2018, and we will keep you updated on our progress and reopening plans as further information becomes available.”
  • Four Seasons Resort & Residences Anguilla – 9/26 – Facebook Post: “While our waters will quickly return to this incredible shade of blue, it will be a few months until we repair and reopen the resort. We are sad to share that we will not reopen before the end of 2017. Please know we are committed to opening as soon as possible in 2018. We hope you will continue to share the journey with us here as we will post updates and stories about our amazing employees, resilient residents, and beautiful island as we rebuild together, stronger than ever.”
  • Frangipani Beach Resort – 9/26 – Facebook Post: “Our team in Anguilla is hard at work restoring Frangipani and clearing the debris from Hurricane Irma. We couldn’t be more grateful to be supported by these amazing people and are optimistic about reopening for our 2017/2018 season. That being said, our annual opening date has been pushed back to December 2017 in light of the repair work anticipated on the island. We are working on getting in touch with all guests that have November reservations but do have some limitations with power and data being down on the island. If you have a November reservation and have not yet been contacted, please do reach out to us at info@frangipaniresort.com so we can figure out the best way forward!”
  • The Reef at Cuisinart – 9/25 – Email from hotel: As we continue our assessment, we would like to advise our guests and friends that we are anticipating closure for restoration to last through the summer of 2018, and we will keep you updated on our progress and reopening plans as further information becomes available.
  • Anacaona Boutique Hotel – 9/18 from Facebook from Sept 15: “We are still in the process of evaluating all this but it is safe to say that we will not make our original opening date of October 10th, 2017.” Electrical, telephone and internet communication infrastructure on the west side of the island is down.
  • Belmond Cap Juluca – According to a statement on their website, Belmond Cap Juluca will be undergoing renovations as previously disclosed and based on assessment at this time, does not anticipate that it will open before 15 November 2018.
  • Carimar Beach Club The clean-up has begun and management will advise of the reopening date
  • CeBlue Villas & Beach Resort – Resort had no guests during the hurricane as it was already closed for the season. The villas and resort buildings held up well against the hurricane and they
    are all structurally sound. The resort has begun the clean up process, and looks forward to welcoming guests for the season
  • Fountain Anguilla – The Fountain buildings and grounds are structurally intact. A few of the units suffered some damage from debris. Assessment and clean up are under way and the resort is expected to open for the season.
  • Four Seasons and Residences Anguilla ​– Currently under annual closure and no guests on site.
  • Covecastles – Covecastles resort was badly damaged. Architectural structures remain intact but severe damage was done to the windows, woodwork, interior etc. Rebuilding will take months. Local management and owners are currently discussing the best course of action. An update will be provided if and when more information is available. None of our staff members have been badly hurt.
  • CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa and The Reef by CuisinArt – This property was significantly affected, and engineers are currently assessing the full extent of the damage. The ownership and management have said they are steadfastly committed to restoring, rebuilding and reopening, as well as doing everything possible to help and support their employees through this most difficult time.
  • Malliouhana, an Auberge Resort – Upon preliminary review there appears to be no major structural damage to the resort. The team is now assessing the extent of the clean up required and will advise on their proposed reopening date.
  • Quintessence Boutique Resort – The property sustained a fair amount of damage, but nothing that can’t be repaired. However, the proposed 1 November opening will be delayed.
  • Zemi Beach House – Zemi Beach had closed to guests in advance of the hurricane. The property held strong during the storm and will be able to welcome guests before long.
  • Neveah Villa – This property suffered only cosmetic damage. A clean up of the grounds is under way.
  • Sunset Homes Properties – Spyglass Hill will be ready for reopening on 1 November; Little Butterfly survived intact.
  • Bird of Paradise – Bird of Paradise was designed to withstand r 200 mph winds. There was no structural damage to the buildings or to the roof, nor was there any damage to the contents of the villa.
  • Blanchards – Blanchards received moderate damage and Blanchards Beach Shack is in great shape, requiring just a little clean-up. The owners expect to be able to open both restaurants as soon as the major resorts are open.
  • daVida Restaurant & Bayside – The main restaurant is still intact. However, the canape on the second floor of the loft was lost. The Bar at the Bayside is still intact, but the dining area will be rebuilt.
  • Garveys, Pumphouse and Mango’s were devastated, while Dune Preserve, Elvis’ Beach Bar, Dolce Vita and Ripples also suffered severe damage. Jacala, Geraud’s Patisserie and Grands Vins de France all survived. Johnno’s, Dads, and Picante are still standing, but will require some repairs.


OECD: Climate Change Vulnerability

OECD

Climate Change Vulnerability: OECD Head meets with Prime Minister Allen Chastanet

With climate change reality confronting the Caribbean, OECS Chairman and Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, the Hon. Allen Chastanet has met with the Secretary General of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Secretary General H.E Angel Gurria to examine ways in which to bolster Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the region.

The meeting comes in the wake of three disastrous hurricanes, two of which decimated Dominica, the British Virgin Islands, Barbuda and Puerto Rico.Speaking from OECD Headquarters in Paris, Prime Minister Chastanet said unprecedented events suggested that a new era of climate reality was upon the Caribbean and that an enhanced international development assistance framework was urgently needed to combat what was likely to be severe growing threats to the region.

“As one Caribbean family spread across Small Island Developing States (SIDS), we don’t lack resilience but we do lack disaster management resources and the meetings I have had with Secretary General Gurria has proven fruitful in fortifying OECD assistance” said Prime Minister Chastanet.
“While ODA in the main has been used to promote economic development through a number of financial instruments, we are examining a classification of these funds to ensure they are also used as post disaster recovery assistance to arrest a rapid decline in economic activity following climate change led disasters.
“I will now be meeting with the World Bank to progress further long term assistance to the region” said Prime Minister Chastanet.

OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules added that the science was beyond dispute and that the OECS would be advocating for major economies to confront climate change as the greatest moral and economic challenge of our time at the upcoming COP23 meeting in Bonn, Germany.

“Small Islands Developing States are often the most climate affected members of the global community but are the least contributors to global warming resulting in devastating socio-economic effects on people, places and communities.
“I am confident that no matter how crushing the recent hurricanes were, they will be a timely reminder to the international community that we cannot and must not meet this challenge alone as we collectively re-build into a more resilient region” said Dr. Jules.

 

BVI Focused on Building Back Stronger

The BVI – British Virgin Islands Tourist Board remains focused on rebuilding a stronger territory and tourism product following the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria last month.

Officials on the ground in the BVI are continuing their full assessment of the tourism industry, and will share updates as they become available.

As of 29 September, there are several charter operators that have announced they will be operating during the winter 2017/2018 season including:● The Moorings: December 2017● Marine Max Vacations: December 2017● Festiva Sailing: December 2017● Horizon Yacht Charters: January 2018

“Through the BVI Ports Authority, we are on a fast track towards the restoration of Tortola Pier Park’s cruise and shopping facility with a targeted date of reopening at least 50 per cent of retail and food and beverage stores by 1 November,” Mark Vanterpool, the Minister of Communications and Works said.

Nearby Cyril E. King Airport (STT) in St Thomas reopened on 28 September, and BVI ferry companies (Road Town Fast Ferry and Native Son) have resumed operations between the islands allowing BVI Islanders, residents and work permit holders to return to the country.

For those who wish to support the critical rebuilding efforts following the hurricanes’ devastation, information of Relief Donations can be found here.

Updates from individual hotels in the BVIs are as follows:

  • Heritage Inn & BananaKeet Café – 9/25 – Hotel Website: Thank you to all of our patrons who have expressed concern for our staff and management. The hotel and restaurant sustained significant damage. As a result, we will be closed until further notice. Please stay in touch by checking our website for updates when we will reopen. Thank you.
  • Long Bay Beach Resort & Villas – 9/25 – Facebook Post: As you know, Tortola was hit hard by Hurricane Irma and Long Bay suffered extensive damage. The resort is currently closed, and we will provide further information in the coming days and weeks. Please know however, that all Long Bay guests and staff are OK and accounted for.
  • Nanny Cay Resort & Marina – 9/22 FB post: “The eye of Hurricane Maria passed 55 miles to the south of Tortola, as a category 4 or 5 hurricane, in the early hours of Wednesday and we suffered minimal damage in comparison to Irma. However, we did suffer some additional damage to property and boats. We experienced hurricane force winds (full strength still to be determined), and a large surge from the south. The peninsula for the outer marina once again did a sterling job keeping the worst of the surge from the heart of Nanny Cay Maria’s approach set back our rebuild as we went into full hurricane-prep mode, but it did accelerate the removal of debris from the property. We are still working to stabilize our infrastructure, creating new office space, fixing roofs, getting our IT (including Internet access) fully operational, etc. Once we have these items in place, our boatyard, marina, and hotel staff can start to address individual questions and concerns. In the meantime, we appreciate your continued patience!”
  • The Sugar Mill Hotel – 9/25 – Facebook Post: Although the Sugar Mill is not as badly damaged as other places, the infrastructure of Tortola has been impacted by the two hurricanes. Repairs are already being made but docks, ports and roads etc will not be ready for visitors for a couple of months. So we have made the decision to remain closed until Thanksgiving in the restaurant and Mid December in the hotel. Should this change we will post updates.  People booked in October and November will be contacted soon. Apologies if you are not getting replies to your enquiries but currently our admin office at the hotel has no internet or telephone or mobile telephone communications at all.   We expect to be able to answer your emails from our UK office by the end of week commencing September 24th.
  • Anegada Reef: ​Anegada is fine.
  • Bitter End Yacht Club: ​The hotel was not operational due to annual closure.  Sustained significant damage, according to reports.
  • Guana Island: ​Closed at the time
  • Oil​ ​Nut​ ​Bay:​ ​The Team staying at the resort is safe and secure. The extent of the damage is unknown at this point, and will take time to assess.
  • Peter​ ​Island​ ​Resort​ ​&​ ​Spa:​ ​9/19 Facebook post from Sept 15: “Since the event of hurricane Irma, the Peter Island team has continued to work hard to assess, regroup and recover from the effects of this storm. Our colleagues from Peter Island and their families are now experiencing the unfortunate, debilitating after-effects of the hurricane; including the loss of their homes and schools, limited supplies, and lacking the kinds of facilities and services we typically take for granted in our day-to- day lives. Recovery will take time, resources, and support to get back on track.”
  • Rosewood Little Dix Bay: ​9/19 Facebook post from Sept 14: “We can reassure you that our team is safe and unharmed. Although the resort is closed for renovation, we are still assessing the storm’s effects to our property and will know more in the coming days.”
  • Scrub Island Resort. Spa and Marina, Autograph Collection: Is closed until further notice. Those planning to visit the hotel should check the news for the most current information. The resort is waiving hotel cancellation and change fees for specific arrival dates. Customers should call 1-877-890-7444 (US) for more information about their reservations. Those in countries outside of the United States seeking information about their reservations should call the Marriott toll-free number in their country.


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Saint Lucia growing from strength to strength

Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia has recorded strong and steady growth in its tourism sector, so far for 2017.

Year to date Saint Lucia has recorded an increase of 94,432 visitor arrivals, representing 14.5% growth over 2016.  Stay over arrivals as of August 2017 are up 9% and cruise arrivals are 21% above the previous year. The cruise sector has continued to show very strong growth and this is expected to significantly increase when construction is competed on a new berth at the end of the year.   This expansion will allow Saint Lucia to accommodate Quantum class vessels with passenger capacities of above 4900 per port call.
Saint Lucia Open for Business
Having thankfully been spared from the recent hurricanes, our tourism industry continues to operate as normal. Importantly, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority has partnered with key public and private sector agencies to provide assistance to our sister islands in need. One initiative worthy of note is the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association’s establishment of the Tourism Employee Relief Fund (TERF) for the medium term assistance of displaced tourism workers.
Growing Accommodation Offerings
Saint Lucia’s tourism sector is poised to undergo significant expansion within the next few years. Due to several major hotel projects, the island’s tourism room stock is to increase by 2000 rooms over the next 4 years thereby creating more variety in the accommodation offering. Already for this year, the Royalton Saint Lucia Resort and Spa has opened its doors with 455 rooms in two hotels one catering to families and the other, adults only.  Serenity Villas at Coconut Bay Resort, has also unveiled its 36 luxury villas and the Harbour Club is to open in December with 117 waterfront/marina rooms.
Work commenced on the Fairmont Saint Lucia Resort in Sabwisha, Choiseul in September this year. This resort will be a unique space that integrates local nature, a low-rise building complex and a wide range of recreational facilities. The hotel will include 120-five-star hotel rooms, 37 villas, 3 restaurants, a spa, commercial areas for local producers and traders and 3 swimming pools. A special central place within the development will be dedicated for local tradition with several of shops for carvings and paintings.
The Reduit beach will be redeveloped and will become the home of a luxury five-star dual branded hotel called Curio by Hilton. This property will be built where the Rex Resorts was previously located. The Curio by Hilton will feature 500 luxury rooms; 350 rooms assigned to the Hilton and 150 assigned to the Curio by Hilton. Work on this property will begin within the last quarter of 2017.
Work should commence on the Honeymoon Bay Resort in Cannelles very soon. This resort will consist of two hotels; the first is a 250 room 5-star luxury, family all-inclusive hotel and the second is an 80 room, 5-star luxury hotel. This resort will feature an 18-hole golf course and clubhouse and a museum.
The Range Developments signed an agreement with the Government of Saint Lucia to acquire the Black Bay lands and develop Black Bay into an integrated master planned luxury touristic community. The Black Bay Master Development will consist of a Ritz Carlton branded hotel and villas with other amenities set on 180 acres on the southern tip of the island. The hotel is expected to have 180 rooms and will be the central anchor of the Black Bay Master Development. Initial site works are expected to commence in the fourth of quarter of 2017 or the first quarter of 2018 and the hotel is expected to be complete by the end of 2020.
Sandals Resorts International has confirmed plans to add a fourth resort on Saint Lucia. The property will offer 350 rooms and suites inclusive of the exotic Sky Pool Butler Suites, all-butler signature swim-up Rondoval Suites and an infinity-edge sky pool bar. Groundbreaking for the project is set to begin in 2018.
Negotiations are nearing closure with AM Resorts on the development of two of its brands – a 250 room Secrets Resorts and Spa and another 250 room Dreams Resorts and Spa.
In addition to hotel developments, the island will create and capitalize on the concept of village tourism. Eight fishing villages will be transformed into unique tourism villages based on their attributes and strengths. These villages will be uniquely themed and development plans will be established in a participatory manner which address the villages’ infrastructure, culinary assets, architecture and capacity.
 
Winter is the time to say ‘I Do’
Lauded as the World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination for the ninth time this year, Saint Lucia boasts some of the finest wedding and honeymoon settings imaginable, providing a lifetime of cherished memories including:

  • Beautiful Beaches – With over 30 stunning beaches throughout the island. Picture your wedding day set on a palm-fringed beach.
  • Cascading Waterfalls – A popular choice for younger couples and the more adventurous types, the backdrop of the waterfall speaks for itself and depicts the uniqueness of the island.
  • Historical Parks – The cultural history of Saint Lucia provides a fabulous rustic back drop to any wedding, stunning scenes amongst ruins of naval forts, sugar plantations, and cocoa plantations to name a few.
  • Mountain Tops – The Piton Mountains in Soufriere offer a breathtaking backdrop for your wedding.
  • Botanical Gardens – Tropical island scents and home to special flora and fauna, Saint Lucia’s botanical gardens are ideal settings for a beautiful wedding.

The island’s wedding coordinators can also recommend one of many private garden locations and hotel properties to provide the perfect setting for a destination wedding.
 
Soleil Saint Lucia Summer Festival
In 2017, Saint Lucia has launched an ambitious initiative – a Summer of Festivals – aimed at bringing tangible and lasting economic, social and cultural benefits to the country and its people. The Festival builds on Saint Lucia’s outstanding artistic talent and rich cultural heritage and on its experience in designing and hosting unique events and celebrations:

  • Food & Rum Festival – a gastronomic event to attract the best chefs, wine connoisseurs, rum fanatics and food critiques from the Caribbean and internationally.
  • The Saint Lucia Jazz Festival – Caribbean and international jazz music, an eclectic mix of renown and up and coming talent, with indoor concerts, dinner sets, and outdoor, open air events
  • Roots & Soul – A festival dedicated to musicians who are setting new trends in reggae, conscious hip-hop, Afro-punk and R&B.
  • Saint Lucia Carnival – Pumping rhythms, sexy costumes and the people dancing under the warm Caribbean sun; welcome to Saint Lucia Carnival.
  • Country & Blues – Influenced by African roots, the Blues tells of a rich, powerful history of people and created one of the most influential genres of popular music.
  • Arts & Heritage Festival – Building on the celebration of Creole Day, which began in Saint Lucia in 1981, this month-long Festival is a celebration of the richness and diversity of Saint Lucia’s cultural, ethnic and artistic heritage.

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