Dominica marks another milestone in the tourism sector as the doors of the Cabrits Resorts Kempinski was officially opened on Saturday, 2nd November, 2019.
This is a great achievement for the Government and people of Dominica as marks the beginning of new opportunities for all citizens.
Present were President of Dominica, His Excellency Charles Savarin and Mrs Savarin, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit and Mrs. Skerrit, members of cabinet, Government officials and well-wishers.
The Cabrits Resort Kempiniski is the first hotel to be signed under the economic arm of the Citizenship by Investment Programme.
The Government of Dominica and Range Development signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of the high-end luxury brand hotel in February of 2014 and ground was broken on October 16th, 2015.
The Cabrits Resort Kempinski is being developed by Dubai based company, Range Development and will be run by Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group, Kempinski which was founded in 1897 and manages seventy-five star hotels in thirty-one countries.
An elated Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit, expressed his satisfaction for this five star hotel, which is anticipated to bring much economic development to Dominica.
“When we announced to the nation four years ago that we would be building a world class hotel under our Citizenship by Investment programme, on this very spot, there were those who thought that it would never happen and this day will never come. Today, we are celebrating our first internationally branded hotel from the luxury brand Kempinski Hotels. This is another testimony that when we make promises, we deliver. Our vision to transform the hotel industry in Dominica and to make Dominica a five star destination is being realized and we should all be proud of that,” Prime Minister Skerrit.
During the construction phase over five hundred Dominicans were employed on the project. Even in the construction period the economy was impacted creating a for families.
One hundred and fifty locals will be employed when the hotel is fully operational.
“While I am proud to see the rave reviews of this property, I speak for myself and my cabinet colleagues when I say that the main of this Dominica Labour Party Government during this entire process was on focus creating sustainable jobs for Dominicans. Yes I am beyond satisfied that we have the best hotel report among its size in the Caribbean, but my true gratification lies with the long term financial security this hotel will provide for hundreds of families directly and indirectly. My friends, hotel brands like Kempinksi don’t just pop up anywhere on a whim. They don’t act on impulse. Quite the contrary, they plan for the long term and have thrived in every market they have entered,” he noted.
Prime Minister Skerrit went on to add that the continued development of the country shows national pride.
“Dominica is well and truly opened for business and the influx of investment which has fuelled the dynamism we are witnessing is here because this Government went out and shared its vision with the world. When this Government speaks and there is no bigger statement to make than the one we are making right now with the opening of this five star resort. Dominica is the new destination of choice, Dominica is resilient, and Dominica is being transformed. The comprehensive development of the housing and hospitality sectors has certainly been symbolic of national pride and commitment, as we collectively overcame the worst natural disaster in this country’s history to display the resilience and competence need to move this country forward,” the Prime Minister added.
Managing Director of Range Developments, Mohammed Asaria says it has been a privilege to develop this hotel in Dominica.
“It has been nothing but a privilege to have had the opportunity to develop this hotel in Dominica. I thank the Government, I thank the people of Dominica for your trusted confidence and this has truly been a public private partnership in every sense of the expression. But ladies and gentlemen, the relationship between Range and Dominica is much deeper than business and mere development. Over the past four years we have been welcomed into your hearts, your homes and your society. We have been made to feel Dominica and you are a truly amazing society,” Asaria stated.
The Project Manager went on to specifically thank the Prime Minister Skerrit for the role he played in the development of the five star hotel.
“Prime Minister, you are one of the few that believed us in 2015 and for that we thank you. Scepticism was high whether a single spade will be put in the ground. We conceptualized this project together. Your guidance, your oversight and your dedication to this project has been central to our success here in Dominica,” he went on to state.
During the construction phase over five hundred Dominicans were employed on the project. Even in the construction period the economy was impacted creating a livelihood for families.
One hundred and fifty locals will be employed when the hotel is fully operational.
The Dominica Labour Party is committed to bringing quality customer service to Dominica. In June, Jungle Bay Resort and Spa, another hotel financed by the Citizenship by Investment Programme opened its doors to the public.
Under the programme, Tranquility Beach Resort in Grand Savanne Salisbury and the Anichi Resort and Spa in Picard Portsmouth are currently being constructed, with the hope of creating employment in those parts of the island.
Last week ground was broken for a new hotel in Providence, Laudat, Sanctuary Rainforest Eco Resort and Spa, enhancing accommodation for visitors in all parts of the island.