[dropcap]A[/dropcap]t the end of May 2016 the Government of Saint Lucia signed an agreement with Range Developments Company. This signified absolute approval for Range Developments to serve as the Master Developer of Black Bay, Vieux Fort under Saint Lucia’s Citizenship-By Investment Programme. Range Developments is an international investment company which focuses on developing luxury resorts in the Caribbean. The Black Bay project in Saint Lucia will be its third project to launch in the Caribbean following Park Hyatt, St. Kitts (completed) and Cabrits Resort Kempinski, Dominica both of which will be five-star ultra luxury resorts.
On Thursday August 3, 2017 Range Developments excitedly and officially announced that the operator of the Black Bay project would be The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. The Ritz-Carlton hotels are highly esteemed and regarded as establishments of grandeur. A phrase used to describe the original founder: “The king of hoteliers and a hotelier for kings” remains with The Ritz-Carlton despite its exchange of hands. The company is parented by Marriott International, which is also globally praised for quality service and investment.
At the signing ceremony on Thursday, Regional Vice President of Marriott Development in the Caribbean and Latin America, Alejandro Acevedo and Vice Chairman of Range Developments, Mohammed Asaria expressed their gratitude to the government and people of Saint Lucia for permitting the opportunity.
The Black Bay development is, as promised by Range Developments’ Mohammed Asaria, going to employ approximately 500 locals during construction and a similar amount whilst operational. He also noted, “Park Hyatt, St. Kitts boasted 93% local employment on opening and we promise similar numbers to Saint Lucia.” Range Developments also claims active corporate and social responsibility (CSR) with its projects developed in the Caribbean. Saint Lucia will enjoy similar efforts of Range Developments’ contribution to the overall development of the island’s youth in the form of scholarships and other aspects.
Prime Minister Allen Chastanet and Tourism Minister, Dominic Fedee expressed gratitude to Range Developments and more so The Ritz-Carlton for initiating a project that will set Saint Lucia apart from the rest of the Caribbean.
“I am extremely honoured that The Ritz would have the confidence to invest in Saint Lucia,” mentioned Fedee whilst Chastanet assured the investors that “Saint Lucia is a destination that is on the move, it’s a destination that is forward thinking.” The prime minister also mentioned that soon there would be new announcements regarding innovative ideas to continue enhancing economic tourism on the island.
