While officially opening the five-star resort on Monday, Mr. Christie said that the investors’ confidence has remained firm, despite a change of government.
The resort opened after several delays throughout the year.
Mr. Christie said, “When it comes to this kind of development, when it comes to progressing our country, we have no time to be divided by politics…I commend the former government, headed by Hubert Ingraham, for its vision and ability to spur the investment.”
Exuma is the newest destination for the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts chain. Nestled in the midst of lush vegetation, the resort is undoubtedly the crowning achievement on Exuma to date.
Two hundred and ten of the 487 employees at the 183-room resort are Exumians. Management expects that the workforce would rise to nearly 500 employees by January.
The prime minister pointed out that the resort’s beauty alone will not guarantee success. He pointed to the importance of employers treating workers with respect and workers living up to their responsibility.
“The real challenge, the real test is necessarily based on the commitment of the people who work in here from top to bottom,” Mr. Christie said. “I am going to work assiduously with my government to protect the bottom line for the investors, but I want the investors also to recognize that I will expect them to also work assiduously to preserve and protect the dignity of the Bahamian worker.”
He added, “We must create a modern environment where the workers understand their responsibility, but where the employers also understand how important it is for [these workers] to have their dignity in the workplace.”
Noting that the Four Seasons Resort and Hotel brand is renowned, Prime Minister Christie pointed out that the shareholders still require the government’s assistance to ensure its success in Exuma.
“We pledge to work with you to ensure that the property and the island of Exuma as it develops, does not fail because of a lack of government support,” Mr. Christie said. “That support you will have…and so to all of you who are Bahamians working on this property, The Bahamas will be looking at this property and measuring its progress. The Ministry of Tourism will be engaged in exit surveys to determine the level of visitor satisfaction and we shall see of your commitment.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Emerald Bay Resort Ltd, Kevin Clemente admitted that there have been many challenges leading up to the resort’s opening.
However, he said the resort will put Exuma on the map.
“About a year ago at a town meeting in George Town, I told a group of people that I wasn’t sure if they understood what the enormous impact of having a Four Seasons Resort built on their island would be,” Mr. Clemente said. “I’m here to tell you that the waiting is over. Great Exuma is now centre stage, in the spotlight in the resort and hospitality industry. Today marks the beginning of what we’ve been talking about. The Four Seasons Resort at Great Exuma will become one of the leading five star destinations in the world.”
Mr. Clemente thanked numerous people including Exumians, particularly those of Farmers Hill and Steventon who endured living next to a construction site for many years.
“It certainly has been a long time coming and an interesting road to travel,” he said. “With the help of a lot of good people, the dedication of a lot of great workers and the forethought of a great government, we have achieved what we have set out to achieve. We are now open for business.”
Mr. Clemente also recognized the support received from the prime minister.
“He has worked diligently to clear the obstacles that have popped up to stand in the way of the potential successful completion of this project and all its complexities,” Mr. Clemente said.
The resort’s General Manager, Ramesh Sadwhani, pointed to the impact the development will have on The Bahamas.
“I think it will have a lot of spin off effects and big contribution to the Bahamian economy by virtue of just the opportunities that exist here…I think for the island of Exuma, it means a lot of business and employment opportunities, for the island to really grow and get on the world map,” Mr. Sadwhani said. “Exuma is a terrific destination. It’s easy access for our guests who are from the U.S…we have a very strong following of Four Seasons guests.”
According to Mr. Sadwhani, presently many guests at the resort are corporate guests who are viewing the property for future visits.
Although occupancy levels are not being tracked at this time, he said bookings are looking very strong heading into 2004. He expects occupancy levels to be in the mid 80’s during the winter season.
By Hadassah Hall, The Bahama Journal
