The Grand Opening of Grenada’s Le Phare Bleu Marina and Holiday Resort took place on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 4 o’clock in the afternoon and began with an acappella version of the National Anthem performed by Canadian duet, Mad Violet. This was followed by a blessing and invocation performed by Monsignor Lamontagne, Parish Priest of Woburn Roman Catholic Church.
The Guest of Honour was The Right Honourable Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister, who praised Le Phare Bleu for setting the standard for progress within the tourist development sector, further adding that the event “symbolizes the world over, the vibrancy and dynamism of investment opportunities in the Spice Isle.” The Prime Minister’s speech concluded with the official opening declaration and the ringing of the ship’s bell. Speeches were also given by Honourable Glynis Roberts MP and Honourable Dr Clarice Modest-Curwen, Minister of Tourism.
It has been four years since Swiss couple Dieter Burkhalter and Jana Caniga first set foot in Grenada and saw the potential for developing the site at Petite Calivigny Bay. In this time, the site has now undergone a metamorphosis from wild, unkempt bushland to what is now known as the Le Phare Bleu Marina and Holiday Resort. During these four years, the couple managed to purchase the land, obtain the relevant planning permissions and after just twenty months of intense construction, complete the project that now exists.
Dieter and Jana credit this achievement to the co-operation and hard work of the Grenadian workforce which was employed to carry out the construction, together with local sub-contractors. At the peak of construction, over 70 Grenadians were employed and now that the project is fully operational, a further 30 Grenadians will continue to be employed. Dieter and Jana wish to extend their gratitude to all those who have been involved in the construction and in particular to the assistance extended to them by the Government of Grenada and the Grenada Industrial Development Corporation.
The Le Phare Bleu Holiday Resort expects to appeal to a number of markets, including the Caribbean, the UK, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and the US and Canada. Offering luxury self-catering accommodation, a swimming pool and a choice of restaurants, this waterside development comprises of nine bungalows, four apartments and one villa, all fully-equipped with modern amenities, high-quality furnishings and enjoying magnificent ocean views from their own private verandas.
Operating since 2007, the full-service marina has slips for up to sixty boats and is characterised by the lighthouse ship “Västra Banken,” where the marina facilities are located, and the Le Phare Bleu Restaurant which is already a popular choice for many locals and tourists alike. Benedetto’s, the Italian restaurant is also fast becoming a favourite dining spot. Le Phare Bleu Marina and Holiday Resort recently hosted the very successful “Grenada Round the Island Easter Race” and hopes in the future to be the venue for many more events. www.lepharebleu.com or call 444 2400.
Report submitted by Le Phare Bleu
