BASSETERRE, St Kitts, July 24, 2008 - St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Dr Denzil Douglas has welcomed the start of construction of the US$30 million Silver Reef Resort at Frigate Bay, saying it will not only assist in the transformation of the national economy, but also provide job opportunities for the nation's people.

"One of the important mandates that my (St. Kitts-Nevis Labour) government has, is not only to transform the old sugar economy into the new economy that is driven by the services sector, but also to provide ample job opportunities for our people, especially our young people here in St. Kitts and Nevis," said Prime Minister Douglas.

He said that with projects like the Silver Reef Resort, the Christophe Harbour Development, the expansion of the Marriott Vacation Club International and the ongoing Ocean's Edge Resort Development "more and more of our people are being provided job opportunities in the tourism industry which is the emphasis of my government in the transformation of the national economy"
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Dr Douglas said the aim of his government is provide the people of St. Kitts and Nevis "with an improved standard of living and an improved quality of life".

The Silver Reef project involves the construction of 54 one and two-bed apartments and eight duplex villas, two swimming pools and a 12,000 square foot commercial area, and it has attracted local entrepreneurs wishing to bring their expertise in the form of restaurants, shops and a bank.

"This project, when completed, will bring yet another important facility to the area surrounding the Royal St. Kitts Golf Course," said Prime Minister Douglas.

 

Civil works at the site of the Silver Reef Resort at Frigate Bay which Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas says will help transform the country's economy. (Photo: Erasmus Williams)