The Salamander Hospitality Group from Washington, Virginia, has been in Anguilla again: this time to meet the new Government and again to express its continuing interest in taking over the closed Flag/Temenos project.

Mrs. Sheila Johnson (second from left) with Government Officials and others at Wallblake Airport

President of the group, Mrs. Sheila Johnson, and others, arrived at Wallblake Airport on Sunday, February 28. Their visit followed earlier discussions on the island involving a team from her office, the receiver of the property, Mr. William Tacon, Managing Partner of Zolfo Cooper, BVI, representatives of the creditor, Credit Suisse, and Government officials.

Speaking shortly after her arrival, Mrs. Johnson said in part: “We were here not too long ago, and of course I have always been a lover of the island. We are very, very interested in trying to save and finish Temenos and we are hoping that we can do that so as to move forward.” She stated that her company was committed to an agreement with the previous Government that any developer investing in the project would first pay the16 million EC dollars owed to Anguillian businesses and other vendors. “We are very committed to that, and there is still a lot that has to be worked out; and if we are going to do this, we will have to do it right,” she said.

Asked about her visit at this time, she remarked: “It is to continue to show our support, especially with the new administration and to move forward on our discussions.”

Chief Minister, Hubert Hughes, said he was pleased that the Salamander Group was still interested in the project. He charged that the previous Government had “lost a golden opportunity when they allowed Mr. Sillerman to come back in after discussing a Memorandum of Understanding proposal from the Salamander Group.” He said the next move by Salamander would depend on how matters worked out with Credit Suisse which is owed some US$180 million.

Mr. Hughes disclosed that about 25 companies had expressed an interest in the project. “We will choose the one which is most interested not only in doing the development, but in assisting the social needs of Anguilla and I think that Mrs. Johnson is so committed.”

Asked about the meeting he attended with Credit Suisse and the receiver of the project, the Chief Minister had this to say: “The meeting was fairly cordial. We were very candid in explaining that we cannot wait because the whole economy of this island depends on this project. I know that they are going to try to get the highest bidder, but we have 175 acres of Crown Land involved in this project. We cannot wait. The country is virtually bankrupt.”

Questioned about the possibility of acquisition by the Government, he replied: “If that is the only way forward in order to get this thing done, in a time effective manner, then we will have to go for public acquisition. I told that to the receivers and that we cannot wait if they are going to drag this thing too long out.”

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