|
Nevis Premier Hon.
Joseph Parry has indicated that the Four Seasons Resort
on that island may re-open as early as November this
year.
The announcement came during Tuesday's inaugural airing
of the Premier Parry's live radio program "In
Touch with the Premier". The program is set to
air every Tuesday at 11:15a.m. on ZIZ and Choice 103.5
FM.
Parry informed that following a bank foreclosure later
this month, plans to re-open the luxury hotel would
commence.
"The Four Seasons is having certain experiences
but on the 25th of March I believe that the banks
will foreclose on the property -they are coming here
to Nevis- after that they will move forward very quickly
to have the property repaired for re-opening,"
he said.
More than 600 persons lost their jobs after Hurricane
Omar extensively damaged the Four Seasons Resort in
2008. Since then many tentative re-opening dates have
been publicized however the 196-room resort located
at Pinney's Beach remains closed.
"Later this year I'm sure that many persons will
be able to enjoy working at the Four Seasons again,"
Parry said of one of the largest employers on the
island.
According to the Four Seasons Resort Nevis website,
"The target opening date is November 1, 2010."
The site stated that more information would be provided
as it became available.
Premier Parry assured that employment remains one
of the focal points of the Nevis Island Administration,
adding that a number of initiatives were coming on
stream that would assuage the lingering unemployment
problem.
"We are aware that at this time we are suffering
from a recession and we are aware that the Four Seasons
Hotel is closed and has been closed now for a year
and a half. As the economy takes the stress and strain
of the recession more and more persons are out of
work. And so it beholds the government not only to
identify those persons who are not working but to
try to assist in terms of placement.
"In the meantime we all have the responsibility
to support our neighbors, those who are out of work,
those that have distressing situations; and if you
are aware of where jobs are available if you can kindly
direct people," he encouraged. He added that
although unemployment is now higher than it was a
few years ago, Nevis was still faring better than
most other Caribbean countries in that regard.
Parry fielded questions on several other national
issues including the current regional water shortage
and the ongoing Geothermal Energy project. He said
he looked forward to hearing from the citizens about
their concerns as he always enjoyed engaging the people
of Nevis.
"This program will provide information about
the work the government is doing to ensure that our
people continue to be represented and to make sure
that we not only deliver services but that people
realize the services are being delivered. We know
we have challenging times; the government is up to
it. We have the capability to do the job."
|