A lot is riding on the multimillion-dollar Emerald Bay Resort in Exuma, but the project, which government officials said would be completed in March, has been delayed to mid July.
The slowdown of the project is due to “normal construction delays,” according to Ramesh Sadwhami, a manager with the resort’s parent company, Four Seasons.
Mr. Sadwhami confirmed today that it will be months before the project is completed. But Minister of Financial Services and Investments Allyson Maynard-Gibson told the Journal “Everything is still on track as far as we’re concerned.” She also pointed out that construction delays were not that unusual in any project.
Government officials have repeatedly said that the opening of the resort in Exuma during the first quarter of 2003 would provide enormous benefits for residents there.
Kevin Clemente, president and chief executive officer of EBR Holding, the developer of Emerald Bay, has said that the new $200 million development will “put Exuma on the map. But it could be another few months before this happens.
Mr. Sadwhami said Four Seasons officials are being briefed on the construction developments from the various sub contractors. He said a full report on those developments will come next week.
He also suggested that a lack of manpower was slowing construction activity on the site, but he refused to give further details. Mr. Clemente, meanwhile, was unavailable for comment on the delay of the resort’s opening.
Minister Gibson said the resort’s operators have been actively recruiting staff for training in preparation for the opening.
The Four Seasons resorts chain has been facing financial woes in recent times.
Last November, Four Seasons executives announced that the Emerald Bay development will continue despite a $12.3 million loss that came as a result of terrorism, floods and a weak global economy.
Many residents of Exuma say they anxiously await the opening of Emerald Bay. “I am working and making money to support my [needs], said Fred Brice, a local block layer at the Emerald Bay site. “I pray that this project goes on forever because the money is good and that’s the only way I could survive with having the best.”
Rev. Franklyn McKenzie, chief councilor for the Exuma district, told the Bahama Journal that he was also looking forward to the opening, whenever that happens. He said more Exumians must start positioning themselves to maximize on the presence of the development on their island.
“I think it is now time for locals to begin to put on their creative thinking caps and begin to make good use of whatever spin off that may come indirectly or directly from the resort development,” Mr. McKenzie said.
He said local government officials have been holding town meetings to brief Exumians on the advantages that will come with Emerald Bay.
The development has not been without its critics. Coalition for Democratic Reform Leader Dr. Bernard Nottage, for instance, said last week that the government needs to so craft the agreements regarding Emerald Bay that substantial benefits will result for residents.
“If we are going to have this kind of development, we better know what we are planning because when this project is over, that is at the end of the day when the building phase of the project is completed and facilities are up and running, few Exumians or Bahamian firms would have much to show by way of created wealth,” he said. “The investors will, however, be able to show new wealth beyond the wildest expectations of many.”
Prime Minister Perry Christie has said that the Emerald Bay project would be a part of the $762 million in new resort investment being pumped into Exuma, translating into 2000 new jobs. Mr. Christie also said that there was also the possibility of a Ritz Carlton coming on stream in Exuma.
Government Ministers have promised residents that Exuma’s main airport will be upgraded by next month, an advanced medical facility will be constructed and the post office is expected to be improved to facilitate the boom that was expected to come with the resort’s opening.
By Yvette Rolle-Major, The Bahama Journal
