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Keeping an eye on the people’s business: saluting tourism stalwarts

This story was posted 2 years ago
24 February 2020
in Business, OPINION/COMMENTARY, Politics, Travel/Tourism
3 min. read
Sandra Ferguson
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by Sandra CA Ferguson

In less than 2 months, Grenada has lost two well-known tourism stalwarts, Andre Cherman of Coyaba Beach Resort, and Sir Royston Hopkin of Spice Island Beach Resort.

These two gentlemen belong to two local pioneering tourism families who have done Grenada proud. Both establishments have a reputation for excellence, in Grenada and further afield. The Spice Island Beach Resort has been consecutively winning annual awards for the last umpteen years, the latest being 2019. While Coyaba is less decorated, the annual returning visitor numbers speak for itself in respect of customer satisfaction with that hotel. It is no mean feat that while the most of the local hotel sector was collapsing during the period of the global financial, fuel and food crisis (2009–2012), Coyaba weathered the crisis very well since their visitor numbers were not significantly affected (as was reported by one of the Department Managers at Cherman’s Thanksgiving Service). I also commend Coyaba’s management for moving the hotel’s fence about a foot during the post-Ivan rebuilding process, giving a little bit more beach area to we the people. It is also interesting how the hotel organised its beachfront garden space post-Ivan. Visitors have the option of lounging on beach chairs within the fence, away from we the people, or actually coming onto the beach and being among, we the people.

The significance of the loss of these two local tourism giants should not be lost upon we the people. They were the only two LOCAL hotel operators on the Grand Anse beachfront. For some time, there were rumours of pressures to sell being exerted on both operators. Last year, speaking to the press, Sir Royston confirmed that there was interest in purchasing his property but he had advised that his property was not for sale. Will pressure to sell again rear its head given the departure of this (these) gentleman (gentlemen)?

We the people are aware of the ambitions of a certain foreign billionaire to apparently own the entire Grand Anse beachfront. It is alleged that he not only has control of the northern end but has also bought property on the southern end. Those to whom we the people have entrusted the management of our affairs seem to have given the impression to “developers and investors” that Grenada is for Sale and if they have no money to put out, they could also sell OUR passports, as is happening with the Kimpton Kawana!!! There is NO RESPECT for we the people. In the view of those whom we have entrusted to oversee our affairs, we are merely irritants and obstacles to be swept out of the way of “developers and development”(?). There is also the unwelcome trend of government giving away beachfront property freehold instead of the leasehold arrangements that formerly prevailed. This, therefore, gives the occupants of the property the opportunities to exclude or render access to the beachfront very difficult. We must guard against this.

Not that there have not been tensions! But these two local operators, being Grenadians, appreciated and respected the unwritten understanding between themselves as hoteliers and we the people – us BOTH being prime users of the beach.

Their loss saddens me. I salute their contribution to the tourism sector and to national development in general. I take the opportunity to offer my condolences to their family and friends and to the Directors, Management and staff of both hotels. I trust that those to whom their respective legacies have been entrusted will be motivated and inspired to carry on and grow their legacies. I wish them courage and Supreme guidance.

Rest in peace Cherman! Rest in peace, Sir Royston!

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Tags: andre chermancoyaba beach resortroyston hopkinsandra fergusonspice island beach resorttourism
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Comments 8

  1. Stephen Ross says:
    2 years ago

    I hope that the government of Grenada does not sell Grand Anse beach properties to foreigners that would be a mistake of gigantic proportions. That beach should be forever for the people of Grenada period please do not make that mistake. Stephen Ross

    Reply
  2. Vivia Richards says:
    2 years ago

    Completely agree Janice. A wonderful tribute, honouring the legacies of the hoteliers and the beautiful island of Grenada.
    You “the people” must protect freedom of movement and accessibility to YOUR beaches – throughout the islands and particularly the stunning Grande Anse and the tranquil Carriacou!

    Your amazing coastline has already attracted external foreign investors. Disparities in the spread of international wealth means there are racial connotations, such as segregation, associated with external investment in the hotel industry on our beautiful islands.
    Fight passionately, stand firm and in solidarity to retain what is yours.

    Reply
  3. Janice Cato says:
    2 years ago

    Excellent tribute brilliantly reminding us that we The People MUST never allow our Beautiful World Renowned Grand Anse Beachfront Hotels to fall into the hands of foreigners who will in turn restrict access to locals and to our beloved Beach. We must stand together and firm on this otherwise Grenada will end up like other Caribbean islands where locals are uncomfortable on their own beaches in their own Country if allowed access!! I am a child of Grenadian/Carriacou parents and visit our Beautiful Spice Island yearly… the first thing I do without fail is go to Grand Anse and picnic in Camerhogne Park. The Grenadian People must do everything in their power to always keep our beloved Beachfront Hotels Grenadian and our Camerhogne Park for US the people of Grenada!

    Reply
    • Vivia Richards says:
      2 years ago

      Completely agree Janice. A wonderful tribute, honouring the legacies of the hoteliers and the beautiful island of Grenada.
      You “the people” must protect freedom of movement and accessibility to YOUR beaches – throughout the islands and particularly the stunning Grande Anse and the tranquil Carriacou!

      Your amazing coastline has already attracted external foreign investors. Disparities in the spread of international wealth means there are racial connotations, such as segregation, associated with external investment in the hotel industry on our beautiful islands.
      Fight passionately, stand firm and in solidarity to retain what is yours.

      Reply
  4. Rachel Jennings says:
    2 years ago

    I appreciate your point of view and the tribute to these two hoteliers. What a legacy they have left! They will be missed. It is distressing to think that an elected Government is not taking into account the wishes and interests of, as you so rightly put it, “We the people”.; A very unwise decision on their part. I followed with interest the controversy surrounding the Camerhogne Park. I am glad that the people prevailed. On my last visit to the island I was very happy to use the services provided in that park.

    Reply
  5. Edward de Gale says:
    2 years ago

    Exvellent Tribute! However, It is my understanding that the Grand Anse Beach Palace Hotel, a 30 room hotel on the other side of the Silver Sands, remains locally owned by a Grenadian. May Grand Anse Beach always belong to Grenadians.

    Reply
  6. George A Soltysik says:
    2 years ago

    An excellent tribute with an eye on the hotel industry, its history in so far as how it affects locals’ access to beaches, and the transition these two locally owned hotels are now facing.

    Reply
  7. Rachael Graham says:
    2 years ago

    Very well expressed, I agree with all the sentiments of this post✅

    Reply

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