Breaking ground for the Cabrits resort
Promise of hundreds of jobs during and after construction
Hundreds of Dominicans are expected to be employed when the Kempinksi Group builds and operates the Douglas Bay resort in the Cabrits on the North West coast of Dominica.
The proposed 140 room luxury resort is expected to be completely in the first quarter of 2018. The contract for the hotel was signed by the Kempinski Group, Range Developers and the Government of Dominica in November 2014.
"This development is a signal of hope for the creation of additional employment where one can provide for their families and also a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to provide many services that the hotel might require," said Minister of Tourism and Urban Renewal Robert Tonge during the ground-breaking ceremony on October 16.
Tonge said that following a meeting with the Tourism and Hospitality Department at the Dominica State College (DSC) Range Developers and the Kempinski Group committed to provide training of DSC students.
He noted that at least 25 students will benefit from this year-long paid internship programme.
In addition, Minister of Trade, Energy and Employment Ian Douglas said that the construction of the new resort will be a major game changer for the north and for Dominica in general.
He stated that he is aware of the economic impact of the hotel during and after the construction phase.
Meanwhile, Vice President of Range Development Mohammed Asaria said that during the construction of the hotel the company will respect the environmental integrity of the site and it hopes to construct the hotel in harmony with the land and sea to ensure sustainability.
Asaria noted that in construction one cannot proceed by trial and error.
"We mobilize to site imminently. All our pre-construction studies whether financial, feasibility, environmental and geo technical have been completed," he said.
Asaria added that Dominica has unique potential amongst its neighbours and the island's unique landscape it not seen in any other Caribbean island.
"The opening of the Kempinski will allow the world to share and briefly experience your country's beauty," said Asaria.