The official ground breaking ceremony for the Cabrits Hotel Resort and Spa took place on Thursday 29 September at the Cabrits near Portsmouth. The projects is financed by Morocco as a gift to the Commonwealth of Dominica.
The forty eight room hotel , spa and conference centre is being built on a 4 ½ acre site located between the Purple Turtle Beach and the Cabrits National Park. Every room will have a private balcony view of Prince Rupert Bay. There will be a swimming pool, gym, and sauna and massage spa section. Besides access to the beach there will be a jetty and protected lagoon for docking dinghies from yachts anchored in the bay.
The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, parliamentary representatives and ministers of government and the Director General of Agence Marocaine de Cooperation Internationale (AMCI), Youssef Imani. The chairman of the function was Dominica’s non resident ambassador to Morocco Emmanuel Nanthan. Numerous citizens of Portsmouth and surrounding areas attended the function. Also present was the technical team from Morocco who will be supervising the different segments of the project.
Antony Burnett-Biscombe who is technical coordinator of the project gave an overview of the plans and the various services that would be offered by the resort. He announced that the estimated period of construction would be 18 months. The resort is located in a position which will compliment the future placement of a marina in the neighbouring swamp since there is space for the entry of yachts between the resort and the East Cabrit hill.
Minister of Tourism and Parliamentary representative for Portsmouth, Ian Douglas reminded the gathering that for almost 50 years, since the failed Sunday Island Freeport attempt in the 1960s, successive governments have been trying to develop the area. Now, at last, he was happy to welcome the concrete realization of such a development.
Both, Reginald Austrie, the Parliamentary representative for the Cottage Constituency within which the resort is located, and
Minister Colin McIntyre spoke of the Prime Minister’s determination and success of getting this investment from the King of Morocco. McIntyre, speaking as Minister of Employment said that he was looking forward to the jobs that would be created by the project, both within the hotel and by the associated services.
The Prime Minister thanked the King of Morocco for acceding to his request and repeated that as the Prime Minister of a small island state in a very difficult world situation it was incumbent on him to find investment wherever he could to maintain the economic development of Dominica. The foundation excavations commenced the following day, Friday, to start off an intensive work programme for this latest development in the tourism sector.
Hello All
I m glad to see my country builds bridge with dominica and I hope that won t be the last !
They say charity begins from home, what about Moroccan run-down schools, health-care almost none existence, education the same, children freeze to death in the Atlas mountain, cancer patients are homeless… Moroccans need that money first than anybody else
This is great investment for Dominica..
First, HOTEL
Second, Marina
Third …….. GOLFCOURSE !!
good move PM. The next move should a 5 star name brand hotel and resort and should constructed in Calibishie or Marigot because that area has lovely white sand beaches. This will create job for the young people in marigot, calibishie, wesley and woodfordhill.
GOOD MOVE , It is LABOUR !!
the next move?
something to play for
HOTEL / MARINA
STAY-OVERS !
it is time for a GOLFCOURSE !!!
You get them bad boys to stop mugging them ppl on those yellow (not white) beaches and we may see …
You jealous of Possie … we rule.
Wonderful news for DA as another country has invested in a well needed hotel complex to create work and tourism. It is time DA encouraged more foreign investors to invest in DA and encourage eco tourism. If people are not happy about this they should put their money where their mouth is and invest in their own country. Wasn’t it great to see a test match at the new stadium recently!! This was financed by a foreign investor.
I thanks Morocco, but that Architectural work and finish looks quite cheap. Not what I envisioned.
I proudly in support of this project, but I believe we can do much better? Had more of an international standard look, I am trying to understand the looks of it, I don’t know if it’s a hotel, guest homes or a resort, to me they all look like town houses…
Great development. However, I’m still thinking that this should’ve been built in Marigot, close to the airport.
And with the limited beach space we have in D/ca, why are we building such sprawling developments… with only 50 rooms. Why not a few stories high to maximize space. Also, these roofs are hurricane bait. Haven’t we learned? Too much of an overhang, providing much/easy lift for even a tropical storm.
How sad that some Dominicans are so negative and inflexible to new changes and development!
On one hand you, a very tiny island state are belching out how much you want development and when development or prospective investors/development does in fact make its way to your shores, you display a high level of ignorance, pettiness, primitive innuendos, unnecessary insolence to the country of Morocco who bestowed the gift and a very disturbing friend of self-hatred among far too many Dominicans.
So sad really, as your island has so much untapped natural, potential and resources to soar on to new heights, but for a culture of ‘toxic negativity’ you seem to harvest, and
hold up so proudly for the world to see.
That is exactly why so many islands in the Caribbean with far less resources that your island, have left you all behind by leaps and bounds in terms of positive development and progression, as they don’t try dissuading investors legitimate potential investors from conducting business in their islands. Why, because they can see the greater picture and are not always suspicious of everyone.
From what I can see and have observed it is extremely difficult for legitimate, honest investors wanting to do business in Dominica to do so, as people are so unevolved with their thoughts and extremely simplistic.
Great to see that some much needed investment which will definitely inject employment and economic growth for your island for the better, as you also deserve just like my island, if you’ll only give such projects a chance to blossom before being so derogatory.
As I have friends from your lovely island, I relish the completion of this fabulous resort, so that I can book my flight with some friends and come down to enjoy such amazing views and the resort.
Congratulations to Dominica and here’s hoping and praying the work does come to fruition within the stipulated time.
After this project is complete, I say Sandals Luxury Resorts should go on down to Dominica, as that island deserves to be added to the list of all inclusive holiday destinations in the region.
Congratulations Dominica and all the very best with your new, so well deserved venture!
100% in agreement.
Don’t hold your breath, and expect some Dominicans to change. They are to set in their ways.
I personally cant wait for this resort to be built. I look forward to more investments (be they local or foreign), its all good for Dominica.
A lot of negativity in here!! SMH.. It’s almost depressing…
I would prefer to see the private sector get more involved in developments such as this. The govt should support with land lease, long term impact, future plans i.e a golf course and construction guidelines etc.
I think its a great start. However there are many hotel developers that are very willing to help brand and support such properties.Just plan with honest objectives!
Well go and get the private sector involved nuh, or get involved yourself. Are you capable?
Good project and legitimate questions and concerns .the north and Dominica needs this
just be thankfull ppl. all these negative comments sets a bad image of who we are.Just give development a chance to breathe.”gush man”
Hurry up and start construction and let us hope the next Government will have the good sense to complete the project since the present one will be out of office by December.
Wow, Dominicans need to be more supportive of projects that will enhance the quality of life for all Dominicans and this project will do just that, stop being so negative because of politics, if the other party gets in power they will have to do the same things the Skero is doing. “REMEMBER” we do have historical record on the other party and it is NOT good; Edy and the boys made a mess. Now, I DO think it’s ok to criticize but when it is directed at such needed projects then everyone can see your bias and u simply don’t care for the govt and the development of our beloved Dominica.
Remember peeps that was the hotel that was suppose to be built for overnight pilots near Melleville Hall airport. Someone asked about sewage disposal and the idiot WIKIlEAK had his two cents contribution. Well I do care about the sewage disposal plan; in fact I wonder whether or not there is or was an environmental impact report.
I am not against the project by any means – I am just concerned that proper planning was not done. How much of the development involves an upgrade of the utilities within the area – street lighting, drainage and sewage disposal. So far we have proven that we are incapable of proper planning – we have promoted our island for tourism appeal and we have failed to put the basic and fundamental systems in place to satisfy visitors.
Hey Daryln, the detailed floor plan of the design is at the phyical planning division and the water/sewage planning is with Dowasco.
I am not knocking you off, but some guy was discussing with me that this project should not have been approved because proper zoning was not done, because the building will be much bigger that any thing around it
I mean we will look for any and all reasons to oppose…lol
We are in an era where Sewerage can be disposed in many ways I do not think that is a problem.It can even be pumped out into Tankers and transported to the facility at Pottersville or taken care right on site.sewerage disposal is a minute problem,we are more interested in SELLING the rooms in such a pristine environment!!
While they talking, we working.
Hahahahahahahaha
BREAKING NEWS !!!
Mosquitoes in the swamp are having a convention.
Only item on the Agenda:
“Fresh meat soon come” !
Actually you are right … I hope that they have a system for that … .
How about build a Marina? What about Algeria? … Libya? (oh yeah we peed them off at UN) … surely there must be a dodgy country we have not yet sponged off?
I like this project though.
Morocco is building this as a gift to Dominica? So who will own this hotel and benefit from the profits?
The Government and People of the Commonwealth of Dominica, will be the owners of the hotel, which will likely be leased out to an independent private sector company to operate.
Speculation. “Which will likely be…”. You obviously do not know the answer.
Dominica!!! You Fool!!!
There is no trading company called “Dominica”. Be more specific. If you mean the “Government of the Commonwealth” then will the profits go to the Consolidated Fund or will they be diverted elsewhere like the proceeds from the sale of Dominica’s Diplomatic Passport? Hope you understtand what I am saying here.
Dominica is for sale, do we know how many of our passports are in Foreign Hands???? man you people would be surprised to know our passports selling better than KFC! original and spicy…
Your donkey’s hole. Stupid and ignorant and Low-life.
coming from you I will take that as a compliment…..HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAH, did I hit a nerve???? GOOOOOOOOODDDDD!!!!!!!!!!
In Portsmouth have 3000 apartment rooms for 1300 students so half of theses rooms are always empty no students no tourist i wonder how this is going to help that situation. But it is a sad day when Government because of their inability to create an investment climate and attract major investment have to go an beg for hotel to build. Only in DA
i JUST DON’T UNDERSTAND DOMINICANS..U CAN NEVER PLEASE THEM..WHETHER THE NEWS IS POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE THEY COMPLAIN..I EXPECT THEM TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE NEGATIVE BUT AT LEAST WHEN POSITIVE THINGS HAPPENING WHERE ALL DOMINICANS GONNA BENEFIT FROM IT ONE WAY ANOTHER LET US JUST GIVE THANKS AND HOPE FOR THE BEST!!
THIS RESORT IS REALLY GONNA ENHANCE PORTSMOUTH AND OF COURSE BRINGS EMPLOYMENT TO THE NORTH AREA..
Lovely site….
we’ll take what we get, once it is built it can’t be taken out of DA again.. we always say there is no development or employment is’nt that a form of getting both ? At some point we as a nation really need to get off our political horse and recognise the positive things being done in the country.
I’m not a supporter of the Government but in all fair this is excellent enhanced development for the town on portsmouth and Dominica on whole.
Yeah this is a good point people need to realise we aint got time or money of our own, other countries are wishing for these kinda development. when i visit little st.kitts and I see the Marriott hotel with hundreds of room occupancy and st.kitts is so much smaller than DA it just erks me. I say Hotels to accomodate then move towards an international airport.
do you know st kitts per capital crime????? who do you think is killing each other????
I know its not the investors ….. so take a guess
What does crime in st.kitts have to do with this ? Are you dumbfully saying don’t do it because it’s gonna bring about crime?
With all said,who are the builders for the building of the hotel? Will it be Moroccan or Dominican labour.The Chinese has set the precedent in DA already.Will Dominicans get access to the beach? Uuuuum!
well thank you!!!
So the one in red MUST wear a red shirt? Everybody else nicely attired inties adn dress shirt he looks so odd in this RED shgirt., Everybody knows you are a labourite, but there is a time and place for red shirt man. And that is for ALL of them, know when to wear those red shirtss. Cha. As we say in NY we can’t take them anywhere.
Haha, maybe the big man have no other colour big enough to fit him?
Very Interesting. Riots in Morocco over austerity measures yet they have money to give Dominica to build hotel!!!!
hence the riots lol
the developement is targeted towards portsmouth and tantan area to enhance the famous blaircourt developement. hmmm money will be going into who’s pocket, i wonder…
lets hope the tourist can cope with the mangrove infested mosquitos
Lol @ Forkit. You are soooo anxious to criticise that you are getting tounge-tied. I think you meant to say “mosquito infested mangroves” rather than “mangrove infested mosquitos”. Wow these must be some really f..ked-up mosquitoes bro.
Correction….’criticize’
With all that has happened thus far under this government and particular the PM, we cannot help but ask the following questions:
1) Who is the owner or will the owner?
2) What will or did Morocco get in return for this hotel?
3) Financed by WHO in Morocco?
Now that DA has recieved the hotel, these are the question The Voice wants to ask.The voice should ask about occupancy rate, what can we as a people do, what will DA get in revenues from this hotel.
In the very First paragraph
“The projects is financed by Morocco as a gift to the Commonwealth of Dominica.”
So I think it belongs to Dominica, so who ever we put in charge are the owners.
Looks like I will have to migrate to Portsmouth area when I return home. Becasue all the big development seems to happening down there. What about Roseau and surroundings?
Is this supposed to be a serious question? Where around Roseau can any additional impactful development be done? Do we not want development islandwide, let us embrace development outside of Roseau. I would encourage development projects in the rural communities as well so we can all grow in Dominica.
There may not be any additional room for more buildings in Roseau but have you seriously taken a look around Roseau the streets and shopping area could surely use some improvements.
“All the big developments happenig down there”??? Where have you been getting your news??? lol
Roseau not getting its Chinese owned 50 room “Harbour View” hotel by the port, on the site of Public Works then?
we dont want it!
Actually it’s not what is passing under the table, but who? It’s our students who are getting the scholarships that are passing under the table. Thank You Morocco.
Q 95 say somthing good.
First it was a 50 room airport hotel meant for marigot, then it became a 50 room hotel to be placed in sunshine village, and then it grew to be a 60 room luxury resort and now it has gone to a 48 room hotel with Spa….
Impressive !!!!
Guys think positive this is good something for da.
sorry……this is something good for da
– Who is the owner? (i.e. in who’s name is the property rgistered?)-
– who will manage it? ( name of 5-star operator)
– where does the sewage go?
Please, don’t tell us: “it is none of your damned business!”
That is all ypou want to know…of all the possible things you could possible come up that you present to the govt that would increase the occupancy rate, you want to know about sewage.
Now I know is sheeeet you opposition talking.
@WIKILEAKS you sir are ignorant. these important facts are necessary. you cant just jump past them. this is how you all are abused and tricked.
@Under the Radar…how do you get tricked by a hotel built with none of your money involved?
So you are get untricked by question such as
– Who is the owner? (i.e. in who’s name is the property rgistered?)- You jolly well know this is going to be some Govt run hotel…I didn’t see any private person put up money to build it.
– who will manage it? ( name of 5-star operator)….Duh…Governemnt run…maybe some board appointed by the government
– where does the sewage go?…Okay…this is the biggest question…where does the poopoo go??
I would be more concerned about revenue and what are the marketing plans and sales projection…How can we leverage the Cabrits Cruise Ship and the Cabrits and also the Jazz Festival to increase sales and create other opportunities.
Its not always about negative criticsm…we are much better than that …we ought to be
Yeah Wikileaks, tell us where all that sheeeet going. Portsmouth friends telling me it already is not healthy to swim in the bay again because of all the garbage already in the water.
@ Malatete,before this hotel, you were never concerned where all the sheeet was going before, all of a sudden, that is the la creme de la creme for you. This is the most important issue for Sa kai malade.
Wikileaks, you’re wrong man. I was always concerned since I know Possie have no sewage system. Is not me that is going to swim in that bay but unaware tourists. I’m already holding my nose when I walk in Picard on a bad day.
Looks rather promising. Another project, aimed to enhance the community of Portsmouth and sorroundings. Good work
hope it benefits the community and not just the investors.
what’s passing under the table?
things are hard all over. which government will give so much in this era for nothing? you think the us and the uk cannot afford that hotel? in thist new world order of politics it is scratch my back and i will scratch your own but is what we are giving back. no one can show us an MOU.