Agreement in Principle Reached to Reopen Dragon Bay Hotel

An agreement in principle has been reached with Sandals Resorts International (SRI) to facilitate the reopening of the Dragon Bay Hotel in Portland.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Daryl Vaz, made the disclosure during his contribution to the 2016/17 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on June 28.

He informed that the existing structure, which has 99 rooms, will be expanded to between 200 and 300 rooms with an investment of US$150 million and with direct employment of 500 persons.

Mr. Vaz pointed out that the development hinges on the upgrading of the Ian Fleming International Airport, in Boscobel St. Mary, to accommodate regional carriers, to take advantage of increased tourist flows.

“The extension of the runway would be a game changer, not only for the parish of Portland and St. Mary, but the North Coast, with easier access for the tourism belt,” Minister Vaz said.

The Airport is 10 kilometres east of the resort town, Ocho Rios, in St. Ann, and provides service to the United States, and to other Caribbean islands.

The Minister explained that with the investor ready to engage the Government in a public/private partnership, it is an example of what can come from such arrangements.

“Here is an investor that is prepared to spend upwards of US$150 million; and we as a Government need to make a strategic investment of US$5 to 8 million,” he told the Parliament.