More About Buccama

Buccama: Building country, Building People

Dave Ames is English born, connected with an international network called Harlequin Resorts. But he seems to have the development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines at heart. Or so it came across on Friday 26th March.

Harlequin Resorts is building another of its top level hotels on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent, the mainland of the world renowned St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Grenadines has held its own on the global stage, with names like Mustique, Canouan, Union Island, Mayreau, Petit St. Vincent and Bequia each standing out for its unique character. But high calibre resorts are rare on mainland St. Vincent.

Harlequin Resorts has entrusted its confidence of the Vincentian government, and an eighty acre plot at Buccament on the Central Leeward district of the mainland is being transformed into a major hotel.Over 1,000 workers are completing construction in time for the opening of phase one of the project, scheduled for July 1, 2010.

More than just aesthetics

Ames was generous in his appraisal of the natural beauty he has found in St. Vincent, but it is not just the aesthetic appeal that astounds him. He is impressed by the richness of the local people, and by the way in which they have adopted the project as if it were their own. He does not want a beautiful compound where there is no love.

Ames was addressing workers at the resort last Friday and outlined: "You are the people that are making it work." Ames spoke of a coaching programme involving staff of the Liverpool Football Club which will spill over to the local community. Tennis lovers and enthusiasts can also benefit from the Pat Cash Tennis Academy which will act as a court for that sport. Ames' philosophy is not simply to make money, but to build the country and people living in the country.

Major contributor

Ames anticipates the next three months to be crucial at the Buccament Bay Resort. Finishing touches to 300 of the luxury apartments are proceeding, readying them for the July 1 opening, but Harlequin Resorts plans to step up its marketing thrust with a launch in London, April 24 and 25. According to Ames that's when the serious business begins.

Vincentian Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves also addressed workers at Buccament Bay Resort. He expressed gratitude to Ames and his company for the confidence placed in the Vincentian government. Dr. Gonsalves noted the 1,000 workers directly engaged in the construction, and with 350 others involved in sub-contracts, the Vincentian Prime Minister touted the venture as a "major contribution to our economy."

Source of article:The Vincentian by William 'Kojah' Anthony‚ 04/01/2010‚www.thevincentian.com