[dropcap]P[/dropcap]rime Minister Allen Chastanet, Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy, members of the Saint Lucian government, and other specially invited guests were all in attendance at Royalton Resort & Spa’s Grand Opening. The proceedings started with a cocktail reception, after
which guests were escorted to dinner. Before the food was served, Honourable Dominic Fedee, Steven Hunter Chief Executive Officer of Sunwing Travel Group and Honourable Allen Chastanet addressed the gathering.
Steven Hunter set out the four goals that Royalton Resorts aims to achieve: to provide 850 jobs to Saint Lucians; to teach lifelong skills to employees; to provide an economic impact (expecting $60 million impact in the first year), and to invest in Saint Lucia holistically, beginning with the US$250 million spent to bring the hotel to full operation. Nexus Tours (one of Sunwing’s group of companies) is also expected to bring 35,000 new air seats to the island.
Hunter thanked the government of Saint Lucia, local suppliers and all the labourers who were on board with the construction of the hotel. “They are not with us tonight but we need to thank them anyway.” He also noted that the family-owned company wishes to effect change in the lives of young people in Saint Lucia through various means including sponsorship and scholarships.
Throughout the evening attendants were beautifully dressed in madras and creole wear. Local musicians also kept the atmosphere light and elegant with performances that included solo violin and saxophone renditions. It was a true Saint Lucian, tasteful experience that locals and visitors enjoyed.
For his part, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet thanked Sunwing Travel Group for its investment in Saint Lucia.
