SANDALS moved yesterday to make it clear it was the resort’s decision to hand back the Dunn’s River property in St Ann which it had leased from Sagicor, after a newspaper claimed Sandals was losing the property.

Following is the statement from Sandals:

“Sandals Resorts International (SRI) is forced to set the record straight with respect to an article published in the Gleaner on Monday, November 30, 2009 which contained several inaccuracies. The public was misled on the matter of Sandals’ decision to hand back the Dunn’s River property to owners Sagicor. The article gave the impression that it was the property owner that would not be renewing its lease with the Luxury Included® chain. That is not the case.

“On October 21, 2009, SRI — by way of official letter — communicated to Sagicor officials that it would not exercise its option to renew the lease on the Dunn’s River property in St Ann. In fact, nearly a month before, Sandals Chairman, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, gave verbal notice to Sagicor director, Danny Williams, of the intention to vacate. The lease comes to an end on May 31, 2010. However, by mutual agreement, Sandals will remain in possession until the end of July 2010, to facilitate bookings on record. This was confirmed by a letter from Sagicor, dated November 20, 2009.

“SRI has enjoyed a good relationship with the owners. The decision to vacate was amicable as evidenced by a statement from Sandals issued last weekend which was shared with and agreed to by the owners. It is unfortunate that a similar show of partnership and goodwill was not afforded Sandals officials in respect of statements made by the owners in the Gleaner article.

“Sandals’ brands have an award-winning track record of service delivery and quality standards beyond compare. Success hinges on the ability to anticipate the needs of the global marketplace and constantly improve, upgrade and maintain the product beyond that. All initiatives by the chain, from the recent purchase of the Emerald Bay property in the Bahamas (formerly operated by Four Seasons) to the introduction of never before seen River Suites at Sandals Negril and Sandals Royal Caribbean, are driven by anticipating and exceeding the expectations of guests. Also slated for Jamaica is the most comprehensive Beaches Resort at Bloody Bay, Negril. Plans include a host of options for families and brides, as well as state of the art facilities for conventions. Under review is an extensive expansion of Beaches Negril which will include family-style suites similar to those which currently exist in Turks & Caicos at the new Italian Village.

“The Dunn’s River property no longer meets the style and quality levels of the Sandals brand, nor does it properly fit the Luxury Included® portfolio. Sandals, as operator, has chosen to vacate and allow the owners to identify a tenant better suited to that property’s appeal.

“SRI has been committed to preserving Jamaica’s quality tourism product as one of the best in the region for nearly three decades. Two major projects are to come on stream; firstly, the ground-up construction of Sandals City in Kingston and secondly the complete renovation of the Dragon Bay Resort in Portland.

“Once more, SRI extends its best wishes to the Sagicor team and looks forward to a smooth transition and handover of the Dunn’s River property.”