ANTIGUA
Antigua Government to End Rex Halcyon Lease
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Property Being Sold to Sandals for Construction of a New 250 Room Hotel. overnment has announced plans to terminate the lease held by Rex Resorts for the Halcyon Cove Hotel, to make way for a new project within the next two months.
Minister of Tourism Asot Michael confirmed that, within 60 days, government will end the lease held by the Rex Resorts and will sell the Dickenson Bay property to Sandals Chairman Gordon “Butch” Stewart. “Negotiations have reached an advanced stage with Mr Stewart and we hope to close an agreement within the next 60 days or so,” he said.
Antigua Proceeds with Telecoms Bill and Liberalisation of Sector
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Melford Nicholas
elecoms giant Digicel is calling on the Antigua & Barbuda Government to have a sixmonth implementation window for the new Telecommunications Bill.
In a statement, the company said it welcomed the Bill, but this would allow enough time for the Regulatory Committee to be established to oversee its compliance. “As the customer champion in Antigua & Barbuda, we are in full support of the new Bill which we believe is a great step towards further liberalisation, ensuring that the framework is in place for a well-regulated market – which will ultimately benefit customers across Antigua & Barbuda,” said Digicel Antigua & Barbuda CEO, Rob Mayo-Smith.
Minister Michael also acknowledged that government will have to compensate Rex Resorts for the time lost on the lease. The present resort, he added will most likely be demolished under the new deal with the Sandals and Beaches mogul.
The company said the legislation, being introduced by Telecommunications and Broadcasting Minister Melford Nicholas, will ensure that there is a level playing field for all service providers and increased competition. Digicel said this will result in more choice, better service and better value for customers.
“Butch Stewart is very interested in knocking down the entire hotel,” Michael said. “He’s proposing to build a 250-room Sandals hotel there with additional spas and amenities and restaurants similar to the Sandals Grande Resort down at Dickenson Bay.”
“The Minister is continuing the great work that was initiated by APUA, ensuring that Antigua’s legislation is kept current and on par with other Caribbean markets while at the same, tailored to the country’s best interests,” said Mayo-Smith.
The tourism minister said that resort will be built in addition to the Beaches Resort which Stewart plans to construct at Long Bay, starting in 2016. “He wants to do this immediately and then he wants to start the Beaches project, which will be 400 rooms.” ¤ OECSBusinessFocus Aug / Oct
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“While we believe that customers across Antigua & Barbuda stand to gain significantly from the promise of full liberalisation and a well-regulated telecommunications sector, we’re also calling on the government to put in place a six-month implementation window and a Regulatory Committee to oversee compliance and ensure that customers are getting the full benefit of competition,” he added. ¤ www.oecsbusinessfocus.com