KINGSTON, Jan. 5 (JIS):

            Work on the US$100-million redevelopment of the Dragon Bay Hotel in Portland is set to commence this year, with the property to start operation in 2019.

             Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Daryl Vaz, said some 600 to 800 persons will be employed during the construction phase of the 250-room property.

            A total of 500 permanent jobs will be created at the five-star resort, which will operate under the Sandals brand.

            Minister Vaz, who was addressing a town hall meeting on January 4 at the Portland Municipal Corporation in Port Antonio, informed that personnel from the Sandals Corporate University will provide training for workers in order to ensure that standards are maintained.

            Describing the Dragon Bay redevelopment as a “catalyst for job creation in Portland”, Mr. Vaz, said the project will also provide farmers with a ready market for their produce.

            “When that property is up and running, it will serve 2,500 meals per day,” he pointed out.

            Mr. Vaz, who is also Member of Parliament for West Portland, told the gathering that several other tourism projects are to come on stream, noting that further details will be provided by Government officials and the investors.

He noted that the upgrading of the roadway from Harbour View to St. Thomas and into Portland, and rehabilitation of the Junction main road, will provide easier access to the parish, which will attract more investors.

CONTACT: GARFIELD L. ANGUS