Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/4078/-1/140/
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Developer Meets With Cap Juluca's Staff
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On Wednesday November 15 the Gencom Group made a presentation to staff of Cap Juluca describing a development that is currently before Government. Principal Karim Alibhai explained that he was “cautiously optimistic” following a meeting with Government in the morning and was very excited about the possible opportunity to own and develop a fine resort like Cap Juluca.
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L to R Karim Alibhai, Joseph Andriola, John Benjamin and Clive Metz.
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He reported that Gencom had reached an agreement concerning the sale of the property, with Dion Friedland, owner of Leeward Island Resorts, that owns Cap Juluca. He told staff that transaction terms have been set and they are now awaiting a decision by the Government. He noted that Cap Juluca will continue with the same vision and brand as it presently has.
President of Leeward Island Resorts, Clive Metz, said that Cap Juluca would keep its name, noting that it was the staff that made it special and they encouraged persons to return to the resort. He explained that Gencom owns 44 hotels and is the major developer and owner of Ritz Carlton Hotels. They are currently developing hotels in the Turks and Caicos Islands, California, the Bahamas and Maui.
Architect, Joe Andriola, the lead design and partner of Sandy & Babcock International, of Miami and San Francisco, described the plans for development. In addition to the upgrading of rooms, additional villas in the same style are planned at the western and eastern ends of the property. There will be some villas on Cove Bay but eleven acres of that area been dedicated as a national park. There will be consideration for hurricane protection and top standards for this are planned in the construction. Other improvements include the upgrading of the check-in area and a new spa is likely.
Greg Denton, Executive Vice President of Gencom, explained the training plans and spoke of a hospitality training college that the group wishes to establish. He also told staff there will be training opportunities at other hotels the group owns and scholarships to top hotel schools.
John Benjamin is the solicitor for Gencom for this project and he was present at the Government meetings and the presentation to the staff of Cap Juluca. He told the Anguillian that he thought the presentation went very well and there was a cordial and businesslike atmosphere. “We will now wait on the decision of the Government of Anguilla as to whether we proceed with the agreement between Gencom and Leeward Isles Resort,” Benjamin said.