Raphael expresses desire to rebuild Jungle Bay in different location

Jungle Bay was severely damaged during Erika
Jungle Bay was severely damaged during Erika. Photo by GIS

Owner of Jungle Bay Resort and Spa, Sam Raphael, has stated his desire to rebuild the facility at a not yet determined location along Dominica’s east coast.

He made the announcement during a Philanthropy Day event held at the La Plaine Agricultural Training Centre on Wednesday.

Jungle Bay has been closed for business due to major damage from Tropical Storm Erika. It had been previously ranked as one of the top eco-resorts in the world prior to the disaster.

Sam Raphael is the owner of Jungle Bay
Sam Raphael is the owner of Jungle Bay

Raphael expressed a strong desire to rebuild, however, he indicated that it would be a difficult journey.

“I would have to locate the ideal piece of property that lends itself to the Jungle Bay brand and come up with the short term and long term financing which is not an easy feat,” he noted.

He stated that he was exploring options and is committed to rebuilding in Dominica if the opportunity presented itself but could not indicate where or when the redevelopment project would commence.

The Jungle Bay Philanthropy Day event was attended by around 200 persons, mostly from the Southeast and Petite Savanne.

Jungle Bay provided resettlement grants to the Petite Savanne Village Council President totaling $75,000 to be distributed to 50 displaced villagers.

Other grant recipients included 18 southeast farmers, former Jungle Bay staff members, the House of Hope, the Delices Village Council and Love One Teach One Foundation.

The funds for Wednesday’s event came from donations that were made by over 600 past guests as their way of showing solidarity with Jungle Bay.

Parliamentary Representative for the La Plaine Constituency Petter Saint Jean represented Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, who was unable to attend due to the arrival of the Venezuelan President, Nicholas Maduro, on Wednesday afternoon.

Saint Jean praised Jungle Bay for the significant contribution it has made to Dominica and to the constituency.

“Sam, the Prime Minister specifically asked me to assure you that the Government of Dominica is going to do everything it can to support the rebuilding of Jungle Bay,” he said.

Saint Jean indicated that he will do everything he can to ensure that Jungle Bay is redeveloped in the La Plaine Constituency.

Jungle Bay event

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23 Comments

  1. Fred
    September 25, 2015

    I’m taking bets on Anguilla.

  2. The Real Facts
    September 24, 2015

    Hope you find a suitable location to re-build. The tourists especially are patiently awaiting this. :)
    Good luck to you. May God bless all your efforts!

  3. Mariebeatrice Jean
    September 24, 2015

    That’s good stuff. The Jungle was to good to end like that God is stronger than Erika

  4. Tin
    September 24, 2015

    That was so nice of the past guests. God bless you Sam. I hope and pray that you will be able to build back another hotel..

  5. September 24, 2015

    Sam the man. God blessings to be bestowed upon you for life. Good Luck Going forward in all your endevours. You are an asset to our Country, Does not matter where you build once you build in Dominica, we will all benifit. Repectfully suggest an ideal location. Pond Casse` area is crying for an infusion of commercial activities. Blessings all the Way. To much is given, much is expected.

  6. ATKINSON
    September 24, 2015

    Nice job, and thank you. I hope you get the funds to rebuilt jungle bay. good luck

  7. William Mc Lawrence
    September 24, 2015

    I have known Sam Raphael since my days at UVI in the late 80’s and this man has always been progressive and resilient. So I am not surprised that his has risen to the occasion and decided to rebuild despite the tremendous loss he suffered during the passage of Tropical Storm Erika.

    Jungle Bay Resort and Spa had become one of the signature ecotourism resorts in Dominica, the Caribbean region and the world, and have won numerous awards to excellent service and promotion of ecotourism and spa vacations… I am happy and proud that Sam is not going to let a good thing die… a good thing for Dominica and the south east of Dominica in particular.

    Sam has not only been involved in the success of his hotel but also in opening up the south east region to Community – based Tourism and in an entrepreneurship program for young people providing mentorship opportunities and seed funding .I think its called Waitukubuli Lavay. His hotel has also provided market opportunities for the…

    • William Mc Lawrence
      September 24, 2015

      … for the farmers and other small retail and service businesses in the south east… and its the pride of many people in the South East.

      I do hope the he gets a new and safer location to locate the new Jungle bay Resort in order to continue the tradition of providing impeccable service and the continued excellent product that Jungle bay has become so well known for the world over…

      I do hope that the Government gives Mr Sam Raphael all the support he requires to put back Jungle bay on the tourism map… Good move my brother, one love and God bless :wink: :wink:

  8. Observer
    September 24, 2015

    Look to the northeast Mr. Raphael – the safest area of Dominica.

  9. Not a herd follower
    September 24, 2015

    We want Sam Raphael for Prime Minister!

  10. Not a herd follower
    September 24, 2015

    Sam is a good man. A decent and caring and patriotic gentleman. More blessings on you, Sir.

  11. My View
    September 24, 2015

    Hi Sam the north east has lovely expanses of coastal and river properties with lovely view also that are not susceptible to land slippage.

    • Observer
      September 24, 2015

      We are thinking alike. I said the northeast before reading your posts. It is the safest area indeed.

  12. jane messaml
    September 24, 2015

    Good luck with your new venture Mr Sam. Jungle Bay was a beautiful place – I stayed there on a couple of occasions and was very impressed. God bless Dominica and all its wonderful people.

  13. DC
    September 24, 2015

    Sam Raphael is an exceptional person. Dominicans are lucky to have such a rare gem present on Island. The authorities must provide all the necessary incentives in order to make the relocation of Jungle Bay a smooth process as possible. Sam, keep the faith!

    • Not a herd follower
      September 24, 2015

      I do concur with you.

  14. UDOHREADYET
    September 24, 2015

    You see that’s solidarity! Intelligent people are wise enough to determine their friends from so called enemies… Sam Raphael was running against labour in previous election now look who is standing by his side for the betterment for all Dominicans primarily those affected by the storm.

    • Titiwi
      September 24, 2015

      You say solidarity? You did not read the entire article because mr. St. Jean said that he will do everything possible to make sure Jungle Bay is rebuilt in his constituency. If he was not blatantly partisan he would not say that but express the wish that Jungle Bay can be rebuilt in Dominica in a location that is best for the business to flourish to benefit all Dominica. That does not have to be his constituency.

    • Not a herd follower
      September 24, 2015

      UDOHREADYET, your play of politics is not only unwarranted but is incorrect in its expliclit and implied claims. First of all, the DLP is the party that contests elections not the Government of Dominica. Second, Sam Raphael contested the 2009 general elections not the previous elections (2014). Third, it is not the DLP or its henchmen that are granting investment incentives. The laws of Dominica make provisions for the granting of specific incentives for specific investments. Fourth, Sam Raphael does not have to depend on politicians for favours, and he does not depend on them. He is quite capable of taking care of his business.

  15. KID ON THE BLOCK
    September 24, 2015

    Where there is a will there is a way bro…be strong.

  16. Shameless
    September 24, 2015

    Sam, thank you for all you are doing and continue to do sir. The god above will continue to bless you abundantly. If you plan on rebuilding on the East Coast I strongly suggest you look at Tranto Estate in Castle Bruce right across from the busheewee (River Mouth).

    The main building could be built where Ralph Joseph old house sits and the other bungalows scattered in that area towards the islet etc. That my friend is a gem area for a property like jungle bay. Dont know why no one else has looked at this nice location. Go check it out sir .

    Assertive, Never Aggressive! 8)

    • September 24, 2015

      because la plain is a one way in one same way out, still will pose a fret

      • Me
        September 24, 2015

        Not La Plaine right now, not till they finish that little road from Rosalie to Petite Souffriere mr. Skerrit has been working on for more than five years now.

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