NASSAU, Bahamas – The Bahamas government says I will seek to assist workers who will be placed on the unemployment line after Sandals Emerald Bay announced plans for a multi-million dollar rehabilitation project.
“We will do all we can in providing support to help the affected workers to transition,” said Tourism Minister Chester Cooper, after the hotel said i would be closing down this month as it embarks on an estimated US$100 million transformation to become Beaches Exuma.
The move will affect an estimated half a thousand workers employed at the resort.
Cooper, who is also the parliamentary representative for Exuma and Raged Island, said efforts will be made to redeploy as many employees to other Sandals properties as possible while many workers are likely to be retained to manage the facility.
Sandals Resorts International said in a statement that Emerald Bay will temporarily close its operations on August 15 to facilitate its redevelopment programe with construction expected to last at least eight months, generating an estimated 400 jobs.
It said the temporary closure is necessary to protect staff and visitors’ safety, adding that “the new Beaches Exuma will include an evolved configuration of rooms with multi-bedroom villas, suites and connecting rooms, as well as undergo upgrades to its 12 restaurants and culinary offerings, the development of an all-new Kids Camp, splash deck, and much more, while tapping into entirely new adventure opportunities for families”.
“When it opens, the new Beaches Exuma will offer a premier experience while also retaining beloved amenities such as the full-service Red Lane Spa and access to the Greg Norman-designed 18-hole Emerald Bay golf course.”
Cooper said that during the temporary closure, dozens of employees will be retained to secure and manage the facility. Efforts will be made to redeploy as many workers as possible to other Sandals properties”.
He said the process has already started and will continue for the next two days on options the company is offering, including skeleton crews and transfers to Turks and Caicos Islands properties for experience.”
Cooper said current employees will be given top consideration for employment at Beaches Exuma when it opens, and a job fair will be held on August 9 and that people requiring help accessing NIB benefits should apply at the job fair or the Team-Cooper Office in Exuma.
“Though our island will experience a temporary disruption, the investment is a significant one for our community. Exuma has seen substantial economic growth in the last several years, with virtually all Exumians who want to work able to find an opportunity to do so.”
“Beaches Exuma will add to our islands’ success, employing more than 850 people and significantly boosting local employment and family-focused entrepreneurial opportunities,” Cooper added.
