Devon Evans, Gleaner Writer
OCHO RIOS, St. Ann:
THE REOPENING date of the 750-room Sunset Jamaica Grande Hotel in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, has been delayed until May.
The hotel, which was closed in September last year, was scheduled to reopen this month after undergoing a $600 million upgrading by its new owner, the Sunset Resort Group. But, the hotel is now scheduled to open on May 1.
Delays in completing refurbishing work, which started in November last year when the Sunset Group acquired the property from the government, is said to be the cause of the rescheduling.
Informed sources reported that the Sunset Group has had to refund millions of dollars, which they had collected in advance bookings from local and overseas groups and individuals for March and April trips. Since December, the hotel has been selling bookings for a mid-March opening date.
When contacted for a comment on the weekend, operations manager at the Sunset Jamaica Grande, Don Paul, refused to answer any questions relating to that resort property. But, when a call was made to the hotel enquiring about a booking for April, a receptionist responded by saying the property will not be opened until May 1.
NEGATIVE IMPACT
Members of the business community in Ocho Rios say they are concerned about the continued closure of the Jamaica Grande and its negative impact on business in the town.
Chairman of the Ocho Rios Cruise Shipping Council, Michael Belnavis, said the continued closure affects not only the owners of the hotel, but also the wider resort town of Ocho Rios.
Mr. Belnavis noted that prior to its closure in September last year, the Jamaica Grande used to provide direct employment for over 700 persons and indirect employment for at least another 200 individuals, including taxi operators, suppliers of goods and services and watersport operators. He said the people of Ocho Rios are anxiously awaiting the reopening of Jamaica's largest resort property.
