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UPDATE: McAlpine selected based on finances proposed-Premier Smith
He, however, was unable to say what the direct cost for the project will be but did say that McAlpine’s selection hinged on the monies they had proposed to put into the project. “…essentially, because of the proposal they made based on what they expect to put into the project in terms of finances and in terms of the structures and in terms of roads…,” said Premier Smith.
It was revealed at the press conference that McAlpine’s selection was made on October 24, 2013. The investment is being deemed as very important to the National Democratic Party (NDP) government. According to Premier Smith, the proposal for the development of Prospect Reef has been on the table during the NDP’s time in office from 2003 – 2007.
The Premier further said McAlpine is hoping to develop the project over a three-year period to include villas, hotel suites, recreational and conference facilities, branded condominiums, office spaces and restaurants, among other things.
The UK company was among five that had submitted proposals.
Premier said Government had decided to pursue two of the proposals, which resulted in McAlpine emerging the successful one.
He said the plan to develop Prospect Reef was never a small idea and the aim is to further enhance the local tourism industry. “In fact it was a significant undertaking based on a larger vision for the future of our tourism industry but after we left office this project wasn’t given priority and nothing materialized from this opportunity,” Premier Smith stated.
Meanwhile, the expected timeframe for the commencement and completion of the project is yet to be determined.
See previous article posted November 12, 2013
UK company to take on Prospect Reef Dev. Project
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith announced this morning November 12, 2013 that Government is going forward with UK company McAlpine for the Prospect Reef Development Project.
According to Premier Smith, the company is prepared to invest some $100M to move the project ahead.
Speaking at a press conference at Central Administration Complex, the premier also said he does not think it would be necessary for government to put any money into the project.
The Prospect Reef Resort, which is currently owned by Government, is said to have the capacity to create a swirling contribution in the tourism sector but the government does not have the needed finances to develop it and had started calling for private investments.
Details to follow shortly.
See previous article posted April 9, 2013
Locals & foreigners expressing interest in Prospect Reef Resort
- Project out in public domain for bidding
The Government of the Virgin Islands has open the doors for “suitably qualified long term firms” to express interest in developing the Prospect Reef Resort into a world class facility.
The Prospect Reef Resort, which is currently owned by Government, is said to have the capacity to create a swirling contribution in the tourism sector but the government does not have the needed finances to develop it and had started calling for private investments. It was during a House of Assembly sitting in November of 2012 that Minister for Education and Culture, Hon. Myron V. Walwyn had challenged locals with “Money under their Mattresses” to come forward and invest in the project.
“I would like to see a group of local people take the money from under the mattress and invest in the economy because, if we do not do it, somebody else will,” was a cautious statement made by the Honourable Walwyn.
His call had fallen on the heels of those initially made by Premier, Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith during his budget speech on November 15, 2012. Premier Smith had indicated that finding an investor to take over the Government-owned Prospect Reef Resort, which is centrally located, presented several advantages.
Eyes are now wide open to see who or which firm will win the bid for the project as according to Permanent Secretary within the office of the Premier Ms Rosalie Adams, there has been a mixture of VIslanders and Non-VIslanders who have expressed an interest in the project.
In a telephone interview with Virgin Islands News Online on April 8, 2013 Ms Adams said that it was consequent of the expression of interest of ten or eleven persons of investing that the Premier has taken the decision to open up the project for bids. “It’s a mixture,” she said when asked about the status of those who would have expressed interest.
She said, however, that there is no knowledge who might win the bid at this point and opined that the possibility exists that it could be someone else who so far might not have indicated an interest but is likely to do so during the open period for bidding. “I believe that what we might have had quite a few investors interested, about ten or eleven have written in but we need to formalize the process so I believe there might be others interested in the subject. I think that is one of the things that prompted Premier to formalise the process and let the thing go out for bid in order to zero in on one of those or maybe it might be a totally new person or company with significant interest in that development,” said Adams.
According to the bid advertisement out in the public domain, the over-arching objective is to “improve the BVI Tourism offering through the development of a large capacity hotel with modern conference facilities and other amenities, add quality jobs to the island’s workforce, and create opportunities for BVIslanders to participate in the project development and operation; and contribute to the Country’s long term economic growth,” it stated.
As stipulated, firms will be allowed the full opportunity to be innovative in developing the Prospect Reef site into a facility that meets world class industry standards. The expressions of interest should consider that the Government of the Virgin Islands is looking for proposals by firms desirous of developing, financing and operating the hotel, world class hotel of star rating 4 and above, with recognizable and consistently high standards in services and amenities, which will enhance the VI’s reputation as a prominent business and leisure tourism destination.
It is also looking for current or proposed affiliation with a successful “branded” hotelier in the industry and should target guests comprising leisure and business travellers, have a room count of at least equal to, but preferably exceeding current complement of over 130 rooms, and modern conference facilities capable of accommodating up to 200 delegates.
The proposed development should complement the attributes of the existing natural and surrounding area and the uniqueness of the Virgin Islands.
The deadline for the submission of Expression of Interest is May 3, 2013.
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29 Responses to “UPDATE: McAlpine selected based on finances proposed-Premier Smith”
I guess they have already decided who will be involved just like they did with the pier project.
expression of input takes time to do a credible job as well.
However, I don't disagree with the sentiments.
NO, NO, this project is a positive development. It should have happened Nov 2011 not Nov 2013.
NOPE!! TPP was an unknown pushed together entity. McAlpine is a reputable firm in business over 100yrs. Do some research before chatting $h!t. I agree nothing is set in stone and a promise is a comfort to a fool, but don't compare this to the cruise pier bull$!?@ That was just pure nonsense. TPP didn't have a track record of doing anything. Pull McAlpine's file and come back and post. BTW, stop telling likes about hotels in the Caribbean. The ones that take their time to upkeep and market their properties are always full.