Developer promises to continue work in Dominica

The developers of a planned luxury resort in Dominica have pledged to restart their work on the hurricane-beaten island as soon as they can.

Range Developments were in the process of building the Cabrits Resort Kempinski, near Portsmouth on the north of the island.

Although the company says that the site “stood firm as the hurricane passed through”, supply chains were disrupted.

“The best thing we can do for Dominica is to begin construction as quickly as possible to ensure the wheels of the economy start turning through returning people work,” said Mohammed Asaria, vice chairman of Range Developments.

“We are committed to Dominica and categorically are not leaving. We have a hotel to complete and we will do so with our full commitment.

“Our responsibility is to our investors and equally to the people of Dominica to ensure sustainable job creation is maintained.”

Long-term path to recovery

The Cabrits Resort Kempinski in Dominica is the first government approved real estate project in Dominica under the country’s Citizenship by Investment Programme.

But after the entire island was rocked by the category five Hurricane Maria, work has temporarily halted.

Relief work for those areas less fortunate has already begun, with supplies being ferried in from neighbouring countries and those farther afield.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit described the clean-up as a “humungous challenge” but supplies are now reaching some of the most isolated areas.

Range Developments has lent support to those who have been most affected near its development. It has already sent down a helicopter of urgent supplies, carrying essentials such as food, water, clothing and baby supplies.

The company has also transported relief supplies from neighbouring St Lucia by boat.

A number of long-term initiatives are planned by Range Developments in the near future, covering social welfare and education.