Caribbean News
JAMAICA: Prime Minister Breaks Ground for New US $250-Million Hotel in Trelawny
#MontegoBay, February 8, 2019 – Jamaica – Ground was broken for the new Ocean Coral Spring Hotel in Falmouth, Trelawny, on February 6 by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness. The US$250-million project is being undertaken by the Spanish hotel chain, H10, and will include construction of 1,000 new rooms, 500 of which are expected to be completed by the end of the year. The chain also has 50 hotels in 18 other destinations.
In his address, the Prime Minister commended the Spanish hotel chain for its investment, calling it a major boost for tourism and a testament to the Government’s glowing economic policies.
“One of the most important things that any Government can do is to create the regulatory environment where businesses can make decisions,” Mr. Holness said.
“This Government has created a fiscal environment that is certain. You know that when you make your investment here, you are not at a risk of unplanned and unexpected taxes,” he added.
Mr. Holness said Jamaica’s economic climate is now on such solid ground that there are many new projects in the pipeline as well as many more on the horizon.
“We have many projects that are now under consideration. These projects come across my desk and we are trying to move them through very quickly. Still much more work needs to be done at the regulatory and approval levels to ensure that we get projects through. Even though we are amazed at the speed of these projects, you would be even more amazed at what is in the pipeline,” he noted.
The Prime Minister said that while the Government must at all times be in full compliance with the law, it also has a responsibility to ensure that projects are not being unnecessarily delayed. He said the Government must find a balance in complying with rules and regulations, while delivering results in a timely fashion.
“Jamaica is at the stage where it has to refine its ability… its skill… its dexterity in meeting compliance issues, but at the same time getting results quickly,” Mr. Holness emphasised.
“This is why I am making the commitment to the country that the reforms that we are doing in Government will ensure that you have an agile and dexterous Government that will be both compliant with the rules and 
regulations but at the same time delivering results as quickly as possible,” he added.
The Prime Minister said the Government cannot allow itself to be an impediment to business, but must, instead, fulfil its role in removing “all the blockages” to ensure that the projects “can flow through”. He further pointed out that the Government’s strategy has always been to improve on the micro economy, where full attention is paid to getting projects off the ground.
“A big part of it is to pay attention to the speed of business… how fast can we make this project happen…from conception to cutting the ribbon,” Mr. Holness said.
“The Government’s role is, therefore, very critical, and this is why I was so happy to hear the developers commend JAMPRO and the other agencies, as well as Minister Daryl Vaz and the facilitating role played by the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, in getting this project off the ground,” he noted.
Release: JIS
Contact: Garwin Davis
Header: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (fourth left), breaks ground for the new Ocean Coral Spring Hotel in Falmouth, Trelawny, on February 6. Also participating (from left) are Director of Projects, H10 Hotels, Gustavo Arroyo; Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Shahine Robinson; Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett; Director of International Division, H10 Hotels, Antonio Hernandez; and Minister without Portfolio, Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Daryl Vaz. (Photo: Ministry of Tourism)
Insert: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (left), is greeted by Director of International Division, H10 Hotels, Antonio Hernandez (right), on his arrival for the official ceremony to break ground for the new Ocean Coral Spring Hotel, in Trelawny, on February 6. Sharing the moment are Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (second left) and Director of Projects, H10 Hotels, Gustavo Arroyo. (Photo: Rudranath Frazer)
KINGSTON, May 1 (JIS):
Ground has been broken at the tuition-free Christel House at Twickenham Park, St. Catherine, for the construction of a high school.
Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Faval Williams, who delivered the keynote address at the site, today (May 1), said Christel House’s dedication to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering vulnerable children is “nothing short of inspiring”.
“Your decision to invest in Jamaica speaks volumes about your belief in our nation’s potential, and your dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our youth is appreciated,” Minister Williams said.
She added that the partnership between the Government and the organisation, forged through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2019, is a “prime example” of what can be achieved when public and private entities come together with a shared vision and purpose.
Further, the Minister said a foundation is being laid for a brighter future, one where every child has the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential, regardless of their circumstances.
She said that Christel House Jamaica, which now operates a kindergarten school at the location, will in time be more than just a school.
“It will be a symbol of optimism, a sanctuary of learning, and a catalyst for positive change in our community,” the Minister said.
“By providing comprehensive support, including education, nutrition, healthcare, and mentorship, Christel House will empower students to break free from the chains of poverty and chart a course towards a better tomorrow,” she added.
Mrs. Willliams said the shared goal between the Administration and Christel House extends beyond the construction of a building, as it is about nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will shape the destiny of the nation.
“Together, we are sowing the seeds of prosperity, equity, and social justice, ensuring that no child is left behind,” she said.
The school provides breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack, as well as transportation for children living far distances from the school. It also provides uniforms and textbooks, and counselling services for its students who have to contend with psychological and other emotional issues.
Founder of Christel House International, Christel Dehaan, emigrated from Germany to the United States (US) in 1962, and was an accomplished businesswoman.
In 1996, she sold her global enterprise, Resort Condominiums International (RCI), which had offices in 38 countries, and devoted her resources to philanthropic work from her headquarters in North Meridian Street, Indianapolis.
With support from dedicated donors, schools are run in India, Jamaica, Mexico, South Africa, and the US.
CONTACT: GARFIELD L. ANGUS
-
Crime2 days agoUnlocking Perspectives: Serious Tourist Incidents unveiled in TCI
-
Latin America and Caribbean1 week agoRegional SDGs Update
-
TCI News2 days agoRegional SDGs Update; 22% to be reached by 2030
-
Bahamas News1 week agoEnvironment State-Minister updates ‘Our Ocean’ forum on The Bahamas as SIDS leader in sustainable tourism
-
Bahamas News1 week agoPacesetting Cohort of Eleuthera Residents Graduate from Leading Light Programme
-
Bahamas News1 week agoNassau Cruise Port Donates Nearly $2 Million Towards Food Security
-
Bahamas News2 days agoCIBC Caribbean announces the closure of Bay Street Branch
-
Health1 week agoIncreased cases of Chicken Pox Prompts Ministry of Health and Human Services Response