The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

and KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporters

THE Grand Lucayan Resort has reopened one of its two hotel and hundreds of hotel workers on Grand Bahama are now back to work following Hurricane Matthew.

The 196-room Lighthouse Pointe, which was closed temporarily because of storm damage, opened its doors on November 10 to guests. The 500-room Breaker’s Cay Resort, however, remains closed until early next year.

In a statement released by The Zimmerman’s Agency, a public relations firm contracted by the resort,on Friday, the Grand Lucayan hopes to have the entire property operational by February, 2017.

Veronica Clarke, hotel manager, said the staff have worked tirelessly to get Grand Lucayan ready for guests. “We are so thrilled to be open,” she said.

The Grand Lucayan Resort, with its 738 guestrooms and suites, along 7.5 acres of beach, is the island’s major anchor resort property. The property is currently up for sale by the owners.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Perry Christie revealed that Hutchinson Whampoa, owner of the Lucayan group of hotels on the island, has “suffered significant losses” and continues to search for potential buyers.

This process, Mr Christie told reporters, is a move by the company to streamline its investments and to determine whether it can get value for money from the properties.

Mr Christie said, the government is “just a bystander” and will support Hutchinson Whampoa in “whatever it is doing”.

Lighthouse Pointe, the traditionally all-inclusive portion of the resort, will temporarily accommodate all guests, whether or not an all-inclusive package is booked.

The Waves Pool Bar, Portobello’s, Pizzeria Capri and Aroma Café are open. There is also a new Sunday champagne brunch, served from noon until 4pm. A Fish Fry Party is offered every Wednesday evening, featuring live entertainment, and ‘Welcome Back’ Bahamian cuisine nights on Fridays.

The Convention Center and wedding gazebos are fully functional and ready to host weddings and groups. The Robert Trent Jones Jr-designed Reef Course also fared well and is looking forward to hosting golfers.

The remainder of the resort, including Breaker’s Cay, the Lanai Suites and additional dining venues, will open in the first quarter of next year.