The new wing of Maria's by the Sea, which was dedicated on February 28, 2013. Photo: VINO

The two daughters of Mrs Maria Dawson, Ms Lorna Christopher and Ms Julia Dawson, who have been making their parents proud in running the business. Photo: VINO

Director of Tourism Sharon Flax-Mars and one of her staff were caught admiring the decor of the lobby of the new wing at Maria's by the Sea. Photo: VINO

There was a huge amount of persons at the dedication that some had to stand around to witness the activity. Photo: VINO

A section of the audience at the dedication ceremony at Maria's by the Sea. Photo: VINO

Hon. Julian Fraser and wife were among those witnessing the dedication of the the facility. Photo: VINO

'I am proud to say that it was my government, the Virgin Islands Party Government who made the land available to Mrs Maria and granted the necessary permission to enable her to carry out this development' - The words of Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal OBE. Photo: VINO

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith spoke highly of Mrs Maria Dawson at the dedication ceremony for the new wing of Maria's By the Sea. Photo: VINO

Mrs Maria Dawson, owner of Maria's by the Sea. She has been dubbed as a woman of great courage. Photo: VINO

The dedication ceremony was made complete with lovely finger foods. Photo: VINO

The hotel facility has grown exponentially over the years and according to the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal OBE, the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) under his leadership takes credit for paving the way for the key component of the start up of the business, granting access for the plot of land where it all started. “I am proud to say that it was my government, the Virgin Islands Party government who made the land available to Mrs Maria and granted the necessary permission to enable her to carry out this development,” he said to a resounding outburst of laughter and applause.

It was also announced that the hotel is now looking to have its first direct taxi service.

The hotel business started years ago with 10 rooms, after which four more were added and then a further seven. According to Hon. O’Neal, “Little by little the bird builds her nest… of course she did not stop there, she made a great leap forward and added 19 rooms making the total 40, which she now operates.” With the latest expansion, which was commissioned yesterday, the hotel now has 76 rooms.

“Mrs Maria, you are a great and courageous lady and is not afraid to take the risk that this industry involves,” said Hon. O’Neal as he alluded to the economic crisis that is facing the world today and which he said has no end in sight in the near future. “We do hope that the crisis will soon get better,” he added as he applauded the efforts of the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board’s efforts to attract more people to the destination.

Hon. O'Neal said the hotel is the most needed facility in the centre of Road Town. “I must say at this time that it was a blessing when the executive council in 1975 made a decision to stop giving out parcels of lands on Wickham’s Cay in order to allow our people to get a chance to get some of the plots and look at what have been done. No one can say that locals are not well represented on the new Jerusalem.”

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, spoke highly of Mrs Maria Dawson, owner of Maria's by the Sea. He said she has and continues to be a person with a passion for tourism development and one who has always been a forward thinking person. “Mrs Maria Dawson has always had her eyes opened to opportunities, quietly going about taking advantage of them in her own way,” said the Premier. He complimented the business and also did not hesitate to say its diner was one of his favourite places for lunch.

Minister for Communications and Works and Representative for the Fourth District, Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool described the investment of the entrepreneur as “a leap of faith and a symbol of hope” as Mrs Dawson and her family have embarked on this ambitious expansion of the well known "Maria's By the Sea."

“The Dawson family, by making this very serious investment, has inked a stroke of hope in this country. They are saying that they are very hopeful, that the future of the Virgin Islands is solid, and that the decisions of all of us, whether elected or not, are in the best interest of the country's strong growth and development. Mrs Maria always makes it clear that the development of this country should always ultimately be, to benefit the people of the Virgin Islands. This kind of hope as expressed, is frightening and daunting at times for elected officials, yet it sends a strong message, that we must strive to do the right thing, to work with the private sector, such as this business, to support their efforts as they do their part to help to build this economy,” remarked Hon. Vanterpool.

The Minister noted that the infrastructure of the Virgin Islands is far from what it should be and said Government will continue to work hard to build infrastructure to support businesses like Maria's by the Sea to grow and to be successful. “We will work closely together, the Private and Public Sector together, to make Road Town the city it should be. Maria's by the Sea has played its part today. We the Government must play our part to support this investment, including the right infrastructure and management to ensure that this remains, Maria's by the Sea," he added.

Hon. Vanterpool further said his Government has a guarded faith and hopes that the economy is on the rebound even if at times it may not seem so. “We have a strong guarded optimism that things are going to be better. That is our faith and that is our hope as a government, hence you will see me all year round with bright ties. You will know that these bright ties are a symbol of faith and hope that this country's economy will be on a strong growth path as never before. Captain Smith is approaching the corner. He is not sure what's up ahead but he is turning the wheel slowly as he makes the approach. We ask you to hold on together, united we stand, divided we fall. Premier, my people of the Virgin Islands, the seas seem rough, the ship seems small, but strong hearts will overcome. I strongly believe better days are coming, ” Hon. Vanterpool stated.

The architect for the project Mr Edwin Adams and contractor Mr James Todman spoke at length of the challenges they faced in the process of completing the project. Mr Todman was credited as being an indigenous contractor who has done remarkable works in the Virgin Islands. Like most would have done, Mr Todman took the public opportunity to lobby for more contracts.