Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/4540/-1/140/
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Chief Minister Fleming Speaks On The Issue Of Cap Juluca
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The Government met for 1 hour and a half 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. The Chief Minister said he deemed it necessary that he brought clarity to the issue of Cap Juluca and the sale of the said property. Mr. Fleming said there have been a lot of rumours and speculations that have left many persons within and without Anguilla confused as to what to believe. It is hoped that from now onwards it will be perfectly clear what has really transpired and where Government is on the issue of Cap Juluca.
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Ministers of Government
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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.
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Staff of Cap Juluca
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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 Gemcom 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 Gemcom 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 Gemcom’s proposed development the Chief Minister explained some of Government’s parameters that any developer acquiring Cap Juluca should seriously consider which include:
1) The surrendering of lands in the Cove for the development of a National Park
2) Preserve the Cap Juluca Brand
3) No building on or behind the Dunes
4) The density of the property must not exceed 200 additional rooms
5) Local Participation
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Another section of Cap Juluca’s staff
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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 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.