The Firefly Bequia Plantation Hotel officially launched its developmental plans for the beachfront of the Firefly Hotel at Spring, Bequia, at a brief ceremony on Tuesday, November, 8.

Consultant on the project, John Bowers of Bowers Consulting, described the project as a wonderful project which has been two years in planning. Central to this project, Bowers stated, was the support from Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves and his government.{{more}} According to Bowers, Gonsalves gave his full support to the project, which he considered to be very dynamic and very forward looking.

Bowers added that St Vincent and Bequia are very attractive for the foreign investor and that the construction of the Argyle International Airport has prompted their decision to start the project. Bowers said that having an international airport does not make St Vincent and the Grenadines a unique destination, but that it will attract more tourists. What makes Bequia special and what has endeared him to Bequia, Bowers admitted, are the people of Bequia, so that when one makes an investment it is of the heart.

Bowers also thanked for their support: Grahame Bollers, Richard Williams, Laun Leslie and Angela ‘Angie’ Hinkson, among others.

Featured speaker Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said he was happy to be at the ceremony to launch the Firefly hotel beachfront project. Investors for this particular project have been for some time talking to us, explained Gonsalves. He said Bowers has been very active in promoting St Vincent and the Grenadines in the United Kingdom and thanked him.

Prime Minister Gonsalves described the Spring site as a beautiful spot to build beachfront villas, and said that soon, the location will be transformed. These villas, he explained, will be built in an environmentally friendly way and he applauded the developers for this initiative.

“Those of us who are enjoying the islands now should want future generations to enjoy it as well,” remarked Dr Gonsalves.

The Prime Minister reiterated to Vincentians that all beaches in SVG are accessible to the public.

“Access to the beach does not mean access to do anything on the beach,” emphasized Gonsalves.

“Persons should take into account that other users need to enjoy the beach,” he said.

Owner of the Firefly hotel Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Clayton, extended her thanks to the Prime Minister for his support of the project.

The 15 acres of beachfront development will consist of 39 villas, each with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a private swimming pool. Laun Leslie of BetterHomes Inc is the contractor on the project and the architect is Olle Rex of Rex+. (API)