POINT, Hanover – Construction on the US$150-million Fiesta Hotel here is expected to resume today, following violent protests by workers at the site two weeks ago.

Member of Parliament for Eastern Hanover Barrington Gray said the approximately 1,500 workers received their salaries yesterday and both sub-contractors on the project gave assurances that work would restart today.

“I am eagerly anticipating its resumption,” Gray told the Observer. “Any project that employs over 1,500 workers is very important to us here in Hanover,” he added.

He said the 1,960-room hotel, being built just two miles outside of Lucea, the Hanover capital, was extremely important against the background of low employment in the parish.

Gray, who was part of the negotiating team following the angry demonstrations which saw workers setting fire to buildings on the site, and looting after one of their colleagues was allegedly shot by a security guard, said measures had been put in place to address the concerns of workers.

He said the concerns included charges over low wages, working overtime without pay and a request to be paid fortnightly instead of monthly.