Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller yesterday opened Jamaica's newest resort, the Gran Bahia Principe at Pear Tree Bottom in Runaway Bay, St Ann, amidst a lingering drizzle said by some to be showers of blessings.

The resort, the first phase of which was recently completed and opened for operation last December, is a pictorial splendour and appeared a far cry from the controversy that dogged it since former Prime Minister P J Patterson broke ground for its construction in October 2005.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller (3rd left) cutting the ribbon to officially open the Gran Bahia Principe hotel in Pear Tree Bottom, St Ann, yesterday afternoon. Others in picture are (from left) Spanish Ambassador to Jamaica Jesus Silva; Elizabeth Piñero, wife of Pablo Piñero, owner of the hotel; Pablo Piñero; former prime ministers P J Patterson and Edward Seaga.

Simpson Miller said yesterday's official opening function served to further cement the dynamic relationship between Jamaica and the Piñero Group - owners of the hotel - which Jampro initiated in 2003.

She lauded the achievements of the Spanish hotel since it opened less than a month ago, saying it was already enjoying over 90 per cent occupancy. The prime minister also paid tribute to the hotel's owner, head of the Piñero Group, Pablo Piñero, for the success his company has achieved over the past 10 years, becoming a leading player in the Spanish tourism sector.

Simpson Miller said the hotel was being opened at an exciting time in Jamaica's tourism.
"The current rate of investment and expansion in hotel room stock for Jamaica's tourism industry is unprecedented. Last year, we enjoyed record visitor arrivals in excess of three million," the prime minister said.

"It is a time when we are quickly developing a tourism product which can build on our traditional strengths of sun, sand and sea, to more completely incorporate the island's rich cultural and sporting heritage. It is a time when we will continue to capitalise on Jamaica's strong internationally recognised musical culture," she added.

Former prime ministers Patterson and Edward Seaga, and Spanish
Ambassador Jesus Silva, were among the group of officials at the opening ceremony.
The hotel's first phase consists of 734 rooms and took 14 months to complete. It forms part of 1,610 rooms to be constructed over three phases at a cost of some US$250 million. So far, US$150 million has been spent.

The completed resort will boast 11 restaurants, a conference facility, and a theatre.
Currently, the resort employs 632 workers, but this number will increase to 1,500 upon completion of all three phases.
The Piñero Group has 18 resorts worldwide: three in Mexico, six in the Dominican Republic, three in the Spanish Canary Islands and six in other parts of Spain.
The Piñero Group also includes a tour operating arm, which is highly ranked in Spain and Portugal.

gilchristc@jamaicaobserver.com

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