The 219-room, spaciously designed resort, includes an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, a fitness centre, a full service spa, two large swimming pools, a children’s play pool, scuba diving and snorkeling services, a casino, restaurants, shops and a lounge.
Emerald Bay had a full complement of staff since the summer following heavy recruitment drives nationwide, which cost the company more than $35,000. There are 380 line staff; nearly all of which are Bahamian and about 70 per cent from New Providence. Its management team comprises of 15 Bahamians and 45 foreigners.
The company embarked on a major training campaign after its recruitment exercises to ensure that all of its employees were up to the world-renown Four Season’s standard, said Ramesh Sadhwani, the resort’s general manager.
In an interview with The Guardian on Saturday, owner and CEO of the resort Kevin Clemente, confirmed that the luxury facility would be opening that afternoon.
He said the grand opening was also supposed to take place Saturday involving government officials and the cutting of the ribbon by the prime minister. He explained that because of conflicting schedules with ministers in government, the grand opening had to be rescheduled for the second week in December.
Mr. Clemente pointed out that more amenities to the property would come in the foreseeable future. He said that there are presently two restaurants at the facility οΎ– an Italian fine dining restaurant and “Seabreeze grill.” Due to space, there are a limited number of retail shops at the resort but the company is presently looking for suitable land nearby that would be able to accommodate more retail shops and a straw market where Bahamians would be able to sell their crafts, the owner added.
When asked about a heliport being constructed at the property, he indicated that there were no immediate plans for such a landing base but that it is something that would attract high-profile guests and would certainly be considered.
Emerald Bay is a $300 million investment and is expected to bring much-needed revenue to Exuma’s stagnant economy. The infrastructure in Exuma, including its main towns Georgetown and Rolleville, is in need of much improvement. An employee at the resort said the island’s transportation system is unreliable and limited. The employee’s main complaint however, was centred on Exuma International Airport, an eight-minute ride from the five-star property.
The resort’s management also recently complained about the airport saying it was shoddy and an embarrassment to the island. The airport is now being upgraded and expanded but was supposed to have been completed to coincide with the opening of the resort. Cavalier Construction Company was contracted by the government to carry out the repairs. To accommodate customs and immigration staff as well as police officers, Cavalier is installing six ready-made modules at the end of the airport building.
During a press statement earlier this month, Minister of Financial Services and Investments Allyson Maynard-Gibson, said the refurbishment to the airport should be completed by the end of the year.
By Mindell Small, The Nassau Guardian
