 March
28 2007, The Valley, Anguilla: On Tuesday March 27th at
14:30, The Government of Anguilla met for one and one
half hours (1.5h) with the staff of Cap Juluca to alleviate
their concerns and to share with them what has transpired
thus far in the resolution of Cap Juluca. Mrs. Phyllis
Fleming-Banks chaired the meeting. Anguilla's, Chief
Minister, Osbourne Fleming, said he deemed it
necessary to bring clarity to the issue of Cap Juluca and
the sale of the said property in an effort to quell
confusing rumours and make it perfectly clear from now
onwards what has really transpired and where Government is
on the issue of Cap Juluca.
 The
Chief Minister went on to explain that the entire issue
surrounding Cap Juluca’s sale has been Government’s strong
vision that the property cannot continue in its present
quagmire. Government several months ago asked Mr. Dion
Friedland to divest himself of any interest in Cap Juluca.
To this end Mr. Dion Friedland brought several investors and
potential buyers to meet with Government. As it became
apparent that Cap Juluca was to be sold other investors in
the hotel and real estate business expressed their
respective interests. Government has granted a listening ear
to as many as came out of courtesy and out of its desire to
bring closure without prematurely excluding everyone.
Mr. Fleming told the gathering that over ten (10) overtures
were made for the purchase of Cap Juluca. However, only ten
(10) have made any form of representation or presentations
to Government in cabinet. Some of them were Ritz Carlton,
Spectrum, Antil, Starburst, Blackstone, Apollo, Auberge
Firesky, and most recently Gemcom. Mr. Fleming went on to
say that several of these companies held discussions with
Mr. Friedland but only Gencom has been able to reach an
agreement despite the sticky and controversial issues
involving Cap Juluca and its legal disputes. The Chief
Minister also explained that Gencom and Government still
have some outstanding issues to settle before any final
agreement can be reached. The issues revolve around Gencom’s
proposed density and several proposed villas in the vicinity
of the Dunes. Mr. Fleming said he believes that these
differences can be worked out as all involved seem to be
reasonable persons.
Using a diagram of Gencom’s proposed development the Chief
Minister explained some of Government’s parameters that any
developer acquiring Cap Juluca should seriously consider
which include:
- The surrendering of lands in the Cove for the
development of a National Park
- Preserve the Cap Juluca Brand
- No building on or behind the Dunes
- The density of the property must not exceed 200
additional rooms
- Local Participation
The Chief Minister reiterated that Government considers
Cap Juluca’s Development and future to be a sensitive issue
and Government’s main concerns are for the four hundred
(400) plus workers gainfully employed there and the
continued success of Anguilla’s Flagship in the Tourism
Investment Market. Chief Minister Fleming said that he
whilst it is Government’s desire for some level of Local
Participation, government has not earmarked any special
sector or group for this participation.
The question of acquisition was raised in the meeting and
the Chief Minister responded that there are many options on
the table but Government is seeking first and foremost to
resolve Cap Juluca in an amicable manner that is just and
equitable to all concerned. Mr. Fleming said that all
persons should remain positive in their thinking about the
negotiation process with Gencom as the way forward in the
resolution. The Chief Minister has promised to keep the
public inform of any further developments. |
