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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, January 18, 2019 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – Deputy Prime Minister and Parliamentary Representative for Constituency Five, the Honourable Shawn Richards is of the view that the 273-suite St. Kitts Ramada Hotel, upon completion, has the potential to significantly transform the Whitegate area, while at the same time attract new business ventures to the rural parts of the country.

Deputy Prime Minister Richards shared those thoughts on Thursday (January 17) following a tour of the St. Kitts Ramada Hotel construction site.

“When I reflect upon the fact that for the most part, persons in this part of the country traverse on a daily basis to Basseterre whether it is to seek employment, to undertake business or even for recreational purposes, I think this hotel holds much potential in terms of changing the landscape within this particular area and the environs,” Minister Richards observed.

In addition to its potential of being a springboard for the creation of new businesses, the St. Kitts Ramada Hotel is also expected to provide employment opportunities for around 300 citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis during its operational phase.

The minister added, “When we look at the private sector, perhaps with the exception of Harowe Servo Control, outside of the Basseterre area there isn’t a next single private entity which employs as many persons as this hotel is expected to employ.”

“[St. Kitts Ramada Hotel] therefore has the potential to attract other businesses in the area, be it for recreational purposes, be it businesses such as banks to service persons who will be working here to service the many tourists that we can expect in this area of the island,” Minister Richards said.  

The first phase of the St. Kitts Ramada Hotel is expected to open to the public in September, 2019.