- Adrian Frater
Prime Minister P.J. Patterson (left) joins investors Indru Dadlani (third from left) and Denny Chandiram (right) in breaking ground for the construction of Shoppes At Rose Hall, in Montego Bay. Standing (second from left) is Edmund Bartlett, in whose East Central St. James constituency the development will take place.
Adrian Frater,News Editor
WESTERN BUREAU:
LUXURY SHOPPING is to become a reality in Montego Bay next year as ground was broken on Friday for the construction of the ultra-modern $600 million 'Shoppes At Rose Hall' along the western city's golden corridors - the tourism belt.
The new complex, which will be offering a diverse mix of shops, restaurants and amenities, represents an ambitious joint venture among six of the nation's largest in-bond companies - B.D. Dadlani Jamaica Limited, Khiatani Jamaica Limited, Khiatani International Limited, Samtani Jamaica Limited, Daswani Limited and H.K. Mahtani Limited.
A COMMON CAUSE
"This is the first time in the history of the trade that we have seen six fierce competitors coming together for a common cause," said Indru Dadlani, the chairman of the group of investors. "We have put our differences aside, invested equally and working in one accord in developing this well needed addition to our tourism product."
Shoppes at Rose Hall, which will be sited on five acres of land in the northwest corner of the Rose Hall Great House Road and the North Coast Highway intersection, will offer a diverse product mix from luxury duty-free to designer wear to souvenir, craft and specialty store. A major restaurant theme will take up 12,000 square feet and a fully equipped jewel and watchmaker will be located within the premises.
Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, who joined the six investors in breaking ground and later gave the main address in the reception that followed at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, said the fact that the ground-breaking was taking place on the heels of Hurricane Ivan, is a clear indication that the country is bouncing back.
"This project is a fine example of local investment in the growth area. It is the type of investment opportunity I have been constantly encouraging local entrepreneurs to take advantage of," said Mr. Patterson, who promised a range of new development in the west in the near future. "I have worked assiduously to facilitate this investment because I believe it is of strategic importance."
In issuing an appeal to other business entities to join in the development of the west, the Prime Minister said based on Government figures, foreigners have been investing enthusiastically in the development of the region. "It is time for more investors from the west to step boldly to the wicket as has been done with this project," he said.
The project, described by Shoppes at Rose Hall Chairman Dadlani, as 100 per cent first-class Jamaican duty-free oriented shopping complex, will be constructed by locals and is also being financed locally. Construction is set to start within four weeks with December 2005 set as the completion date.
