Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

What’s going on @ the state-owned Prospect Reef Hotel?

- Premier Smith is to answer a series of questions on the Government run hotel, including whether employees' NHI & Social Security contributions are being paid?
The operations of the Prospect Reef Hotel will come under scrutiny in the House of Assembly today, October 13, 2016. Photo: VINO/File
Leader of the Opposition Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3), left, will ask Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith, right, a series of questions on the Prospect Reef Hotel in the House of Assembly Sitting today, October 13, 2016. Photo: VINO/File
Leader of the Opposition Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3), left, will ask Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith, right, a series of questions on the Prospect Reef Hotel in the House of Assembly Sitting today, October 13, 2016. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- There was much opposition to the purchase of a hotel by Government and currently the State is struggling with the cost of its operations. It was purchased by the National Democratic Party (NDP) Administration in its first team in office, 2003-2007, claiming that it will be a place to promote good customer service in the hospitality sector.

The public is still awaiting that promise. However, Leader of the Opposition Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) will be asking some questions about the Prospect Reef Operations.

Questions & Answers needed

Hon Fraser will quiz the Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith, whose portfolio Prospect Reef Resort falls under, whether the employees NHI and Social Security contributions are being paid. Hon Fraser also wants to know about the commercial tenants for Prospect Reef and the huge fluctuation in tenant’s payments in 2006, 2008 and 2012.

The Premier will have to tell the people via a question about why McAlpine Ltd subsequently withdrew their offer to purchase the hotel and if the request for a feasibility study paid by Government forced them to pull out.

The Opposition Leader also wants to know who is the ICA group that the NDP administration awarded to develop the resort, including background, local affiliation, shareholders, directors and nationality.

The Premier will also have to tell the pubic who were the other companies that made proposals for Prospect Reef and why the ICA group was chosen.

Tenant issues

There has also been confusion over some tenants who use the Prospect Reef compound. The Swim with the Dolphins business is located in the area and at times it conflicts with the Magistrate’s Court that uses the same area.

Often, tourists have to see prisoners in handcuffs while on their vacation enjoying their Swim with the Dolphin experience.

17 Responses to “What’s going on @ the state-owned Prospect Reef Hotel?”

  • fish (13/10/2016, 10:17) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ica is ndp
  • BOTTOM LINE (13/10/2016, 10:23) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    They bought it on behalf of their favorite club.
  • Tourist (13/10/2016, 11:01) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    So true, was there with my family enjoying swim with the dolphins and of course we saw inmates in handcuffs. But we paid it no mind. We were so into the cute dolphins.
  • town mash down (13/10/2016, 11:44) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    They expect us to believe thst they can run a government and they can't even run a small hotel. And what businessperson, in their right mind, is going to pay $100M for a $6M hotel?
    • A lot (14/10/2016, 13:10) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      100 million is not a lot of money to pay for Prospect Reef. There is so much that can be done to turn the Property into a five star resort. Keep the Dolphins, add a Golf course/club, Ocean view balcony dining,Spa etc....
      • town mash down (15/10/2016, 05:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        You are not a busiessperson. You are just trying to support your cause, even if it makes no sense. Do you see any space there for a golf course? You must not have seen anyone play golf.
  • Detroit/Visitor/CruiseShip (13/10/2016, 12:41) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Honestly, did not pay any attention to the prisoners going to court. We were there to see the Dolphins. They are to cute and friendly.
  • weed (13/10/2016, 12:46) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    NDP has failed us again
  • Testimony. (13/10/2016, 13:05) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    It's poorly managed. Just imagine they have like 20 empty rooms I checked in the room I was in and just to move another TV to my room or move me to a room where the TV is working the receptionist say she can't do that or her boss will fire her. So I get a return and went to Fort Burt... That's the kind of managers NDP and investment club have in place.. Iron Hand bullies that have workers in fear. Fort Burt the restaurant that sinking.. Workers must be empowered and comfortable . not jump and sweat when they they see the boss.
  • Yes (13/10/2016, 17:13) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Its all very simple. The parasitic oligarchy now has a vehicle to get their hands on Prospect Reef. Hence we now have a decision. When they figure out how to get their grubby hand on the greenhouses, airport etc we will have a decision on those
  • Curious Mind (13/10/2016, 17:47) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Some Info for Hon Fraser, regarding the court at prospect reef, during the term that your party form the government the court was there why you guys never did something then?
  • Ron (13/10/2016, 20:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    They have illegal Cuban and Haitian migrants there right now. What part of illegal they dont overstand?
  • who cares (13/10/2016, 21:00) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    If you going to watch dolphin go watch dolphin and don't mind the prisoners business .I visited there when I was on the island and I was so into the dolphins that I saw no one else it's all about minding you business
  • one eye (14/10/2016, 07:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    we will never find out the truth


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.