By CHESTER ROBARDS

Tribune Staff Reporter

crobards@tribunemedia.net

SANDALS admitted in a press release issued late Friday that its Emerald Bay, Exuma property is facing “severe difficulty in continuing operations.”

Prime Minister Perry Christie revealed last week that the property has been struggling to be profitable and that its owners “could lose it.”

However, amidst concerns that the resort could close its doors at any time, Sandals said only that it is “enthusiastic” about continuing in the Bahamas, and that the deficiencies with its operations can be turned around.

“The difficulties we are facing can be solved with a determined resolve and a prompt and creative

approach to ensure sustainability,” said the company’s release.

Among the problems faced by the resort in Exuma are high utility costs, airlift to the island and a lack of trained talent on the island, according to the release.

“The cost to operate the facility is proving to be unsustainable,” Sandals said. 

“The highest utility costs we face as a hotel chain, limited airlifts to the island, the continuing need to subsidize airlifts, high fuel and  transportation costs added to a series of costs associated with overcoming the limited pool of trained professionals on the island, are some of the factors which have made the resort unsustainable.

“... the unusual level of input costs make doing business there almost impossible, especially during a time of economic downturn.”

Sandals said it is not looking for a bailout from the government. However, it stated that it is looking to the government for whatever concessions can be offered that would help the Emerald Bay property become sustainable.

“What we have done is to put the situation squarely to the Government and asked them to investigate ways in which they can work with us to bring some respite to the impossible economic environment we are facing in the Family Islands,” the Sandals release said.

“So far, we have been encouraged by the response of the Government which recognizes the problems as well as the need for Government and investors, such as Sandals, to work together to arrive at a model to enable quality sustainable tourism to operate and grow in The Bahamas.”

Sandals said it has worked hard to market Emerald Bay and Exuma by bringing the first scheduled jet service to the island and has positively impacted Exuma’s economy since opening two years ago.

“We have invested heavily in airlifts, including the introduction of the first scheduled jet service to the Exumas, as well as enormous marketing of a little known destination,” Sandals said.

“The Exumas and the people, are among the most beautiful on earth, with little or no crime and an atmosphere next to paradise.”