TCI: No truth to Blue Haven Resort & Marina being shut down by Government

#Providenciales, March 28, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Government is not shutting down Blue Haven Marina and has supported the refurbishment work at the site with Planning Department approval and soon to come ‘hurricane’ concessions says Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning.

In response to Magnetic Media questions, following a concerning social media message issued on Monday, Hon Goldray Ewing explained Planning Department had approved the refurbishment for the popular luxury marina since November 2018.

The message circulated said: “Leeward Marina and Blue Haven closing after this season and all docks will be demolished and removed. No more Blue Haven. No more Fire and Ice. No more Market. No more Salt. What will happen to the local charter boats? All because they can’t get planning approval. Property values in the Leeward community will plummet if this happens as the TCI real estate sector will be destabilized.”

Minister Ewing shared that he was also in receipt of the message, saying to us that it makes no sense.

Planning approval was never denied and Blue Haven qualified for hurricane damage concessions offered to businesses ill-affected by the storms of 2017 said the Minister.

“We actually make $2 million in dock fees alone from the Blue Haven marina and once their renovation is complete, we stand to benefit from even more revenue.”

Magnetic Media contacted Armando Pizzuiti, General Manager at Blue Haven who also waved off the social media message as untrue.  Mr. Pizzuiti explained that the plan is to temporarily close the marina for the refurbishment project at the end of high season.

He added that, ‘we are committed to the Turks and Caicos Islands, and we are not about to close our operation.’

He confirmed that the concessions available due to damages from Hurricanes Irma and Maria are still being processed by Government, but he is optimistic they will come through in time for the reno work.

The Minister informed that this work will mean a dismantling of the dock spaces, which is best so that boats are not damaged during the construction and expansion of the marina.

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