by Linda Straker
- Silversands officially opened
- 210 team members currently working
- First guests check in on 1 December
Naguib Sawiris, owner of Silversands, Grenada’s newest hotel, disclosed his goal is to increase Grenada’s hotel room stock by 30% in the coming years with the building of 2 additional properties.
Speaking at the reception to officially open the property on Thursday, 22 November 2018 at Grand Anse beach, Sawiris gave the assurance that his promised investment would become a reality, profits will be re-invested into the country and none of his property will restrict Grenadians from using the beaches where they are located. “We will build 2 more properties on this island, we will start construction next year,” he told the hundreds of guests comprising villa owners, government officials, parliamentarians and others.
Chief Executive Officer of the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) Patricia Maher said that at present there are just over 2,000 rooms. “We at the GTA have licenced and certified 2,163 rooms, and this will bring us closer to 3,000. That is good news, that is very exciting,” said Maher who recently reported that Grenada would surpass its target of welcoming 500,000 guests to the island in 2018.
Disputing claims that the beach area in front of his property will be private, Sawiris said, “Anyone that tells you this is a private beach, tell them to go have a swim.”
The sod turning ceremony to build the 52-unit Silversands Grenada was held in January 2015. Since then, Naguib Sawiris has invested over US$125,000,000 to build the intimate luxury resort. Since construction started, the number of construction jobs has fluctuated, and at its peak, there have been over 500 construction workers employed.
The first guests will be checking in on 1 December, and there are 210 Silversands team members currently working. A statement from the hotel said that “as the resort becomes fully operational, there will be just over 300 full-time employees.”
Of that 210 workers, I will love to get a breakdown of how much are Grenadians and are holding managerial positions within the establishment. On another note Sustainable Tourism Development is not just about creating jobs but also protecting the environment and developing the host community.
Thanks for investing in Grenada hope we can get more investors
IT is so sad to read so much negatives and lies coming from Grenada a month ago I have not seen what some OF THESE HEATERS ARE SAYING
As a Grenadian. I remember very well where I came from and what had to be done to get to where I am at. We as people must not forget the trial and tribulation we all went through. It’s good to have an open mind let’s not forget who we are. The Isle of Grenada is an amazing place to live and to visit. As one of the smaller isle. Grenada has overcome tremendous adversity and so those the people who lived there , like my family. Foreign investors are good for the country. But let’s not forget why they are here. Some day I would like to retire home. So my friends and family let’s not loose sight of what’s important to us. This is our heritage. Please don’t what’s important.
I love the idea that my island is getting another hudge hotel to create jobs for our people
As a citizen from another small island in the United States, I will say that Grenada is on the brink of economic greatness if they capitalize on the huge tourism potential and learn from others past experiences. Business and government must diligently work together while providing economic opportunity to the residents. This will require a change of thinking from all. Key opportunities will be developing and protecting the brand (pure Grenada) increasing capacity for travel, accommodations, shopping, restaurants, and activities. Training and development of a service culture for influx of jobs. Protecting the housing market to accommodate ongoing affordable housing. Aggressive response to crime and acts of violence. Resist the urge to increase government expenditures beyond capacity causing undue tax burden or tariffs. Most of all growth must maintain the “Culture and charm of Grenada” small independent business are great but resist the influx of large chains that frequent other parts of the world.
Which Grenadian has money to invest and create 300 jobs. The land was bought from the owner. A site that got rid of rats and mongoose. And added beauty to the grandanse beach front. .this is great. Like someone said you guys or people can’t read? .
Putting people to work and welcoming tourism industry from around the world is good for Grenada. A big boost for the economy.
GRENADA is A Peace Loving CHRISTIAN NATION, but According to the Power that Be who Rules Her “ONCE UPON A TIME Grenada was Black Listed as A Port To Hatbour “COMMUNISM” this Time I Pray that We Won’t Be Used to Import and Export “ISIS and Other Radical Middle and Far Eastern TERRORISTS…
THE CHRISTIAN GOD ALMIGHTY and Our LORD JESUS CHRIST WARNS US TO RUN FROM EVIL but Unfortunately All Our Leaders are Blinded by Power and the “Pot of Gold & Penny Wise , Pound Foolish” They Continue to Drag Us Down to the Gutter because of Greed & Power. It’s Ok UNTIL the “Sh*t HIT the FAN” Good Luck !!… I Am
High time our governments get and do things more wiser .hotels should be built a few miles away from the beaches, in short more monies will be circulated around the country just by doing that .taxi to and from the beaches is more monies in the economy.