By Wasana Nadeeshani SellahewaÂ
Commonwealth _ Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has voiced disappointment at what he perceives as baseless criticisms surrounding the impending opening of the Sandals Resort in Buccament Bay. Expressing his frustration, he denounced the spread of incorrect information and falsehoods regarding the project.
Scheduled to officially open its doors on March 27, Sandals St. Vincent has already become a focal point of controversy, particularly in relation to the alleged marginalization of local fishermen, farmers, and taxi operators. The skepticism reached a new height with the announcement of the expansion of Island Routes to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, seen by many as direct competition with local taxi and tour operators.
Addressing the concerns raised, Prime Minister Gonsalves revealed that Sandals had conducted five or six consultations with taxi and minibus operators directly involved in transportation. He emphasized that the overwhelming majority of individuals tasked with transporting guests from the airport to the hotel and back are local taximen. Gonsalves explained that, in the context of five-star hotels, arrangements for VVIP transportation are often made separately, but the core transportation needs are met through local providers.
In response to the outcry from local fishermen and farmers, the prime minister clarified that Sandals had engaged in consultations with these stakeholders as well. He underscored the reality that hotels of this caliber typically have policies favoring aggregated supply chains, rather than sourcing from individual suppliers. The notion of local fishermen directly selling their catches to Sandals was dismissed by Gonsalves, who highlighted the necessity for proper packaging and quality assurance in meeting the standards required by such establishments.
Drawing a parallel, Gonsalves referenced Rainforest Seafoods, an aggregator that purchases fish, lobster, and conch locally. He emphasized that Rainforest Seafoods buys from fishermen and women in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, illustrating the feasibility of local cooperatives supplying the hotel if they meet the necessary standards.
The prime minister stressed the importance of maintaining standards not only in the realm of fisheries but also in the taxi industry. He mentioned that the St. Vincent Tourism Authority plays a pivotal role in approving, training, and certifying taxi operators to ensure they meet the market requirements for dealing with tourists.
Returning to the issue of food production, Gonsalves disclosed that he had previously urged local businesspeople to actively participate in aggregating agricultural products for sale. However, he lamented that his calls seemed to have fallen on deaf ears. He cited an example of a St. Lucian individual named Rayneau, who initially agreed to a quarry project in Richmond. Despite facing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, volcanic eruptions, and political unrest, Gonsalves expressed optimism that local entrepreneurs could benefit by engaging in the aggregation of agricultural products.
Prime Minister Gonsalves’ staunch defense of the Sandals Resort project underscores the importance of dispelling misinformation and promoting a nuanced understanding of the extensive consultations undertaken with diverse local stakeholders. Emphasizing the collaborative nature of the endeavor, the prime minister encourages local businesses to adopt a cooperative approach.
The prime minister’s call for collaboration is grounded in the belief that mutually beneficial partnerships between Sandals Resort and local businesses can contribute to the prosperity of both parties. By aligning with the standards set by high-end establishments, local enterprises have the opportunity to participate more actively in the tourism sector, potentially boosting economic growth and employment in the region.
In essence, Gonsalves envisions a symbiotic relationship between the resort and the local economy, where the success of one contributes positively to the other. This cooperative model not only aligns with the global trend of sustainable and inclusive development but also reflects a proactive approach to addressing challenges and fostering a resilient and thriving community. As the Sandals Resort prepares to open its doors, the prime minister’s vision encourages a unified effort toward economic advancement and the realization of shared benefits for all stakeholders involved.
