When the completion date of March 27 was announced for Exuma’s Emerald Bay project, residents received the news with great anticipation.
However, almost two months later, the luxury resort’s doors still remain unopened.
The opening date is now set for November 1.
According to the resort’s General Manager, Ramesh Sadhwani, construction is expected to be completed by August or September.
“Right now we are putting on the finishing touches in preparation for the resort’s opening,” he said. “After that, we will be putting in all the furnishings so that Emerald Bay will look wonderful for November 1.”
A reported near-$275 million has been invested in the 219-room resort, being financed by Emerald Bay Resort Holdings Ltd.
The Four Seasons hotel company is responsible for maintenance of the hotel, its proposed restaurants, spa and golf course.
Mr. Sadhwani said the company will begin its employee recruitment programme in July, at which time, job applications will be available.
Interested individuals can expect an interview for employment by August.
Mr. Sadhwani said recently that the main focus of EBR Holding Ltd. was to always have a large portion of the hotel’s staff Bahamian.
Some 460 individuals are expected to be employed with hopes of increasing that number to 600.
Once completed, the site will contain a Greg Norman-designed 18-hole golf course, full service spa, fitness centre, tennis courts, two large swimming pools, children’s play pool, a landscaped pool deck and private canvas cabanas, scuba diving and snorkeling services, a casino, fine restaurants, and other amenities.
It is estimated that furniture and fittings in each room at the resort cost $90,000 and that the resort itself is worth $300 million.
In September of last year, the government fully endorsed the development of Four Seasons Resort Great Exuma at Emerald Bay, stating that it was “the financial lifeline” needed to boost the economy of Exuma.
Minister of Financial Services and Investments, Allyson Maynard-Gibson on a visit to the site last year, said her ministry would ensure that the project would proceed smoothly.
She said that emphasis would be placed on the expansion of the airport, increasing the water supply to Exuma and for the resort itself – implementing reliable telecommunications, customs and Immigration facilities, housing, waste disposal, education, clinics, docking facilities and social services.
The projects to be implemented or improved on the island of Exuma in anticipation of the Four Seasons Emerald Bay Resort, would total over $700 million, she said.
By Lisa Albury, The Nassau Guardian
