The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Warwick Hotels and Resorts yesterday said it was working feverishly to have its new Paradise Island resort open for business by the end of October, revealing that Hurricane Matthew “could not have come at a worse time”.

Paul LeBlanc, special assistant to Warwick International’s president, in an emailed response to Tribune Business queries, said: “Hurricane Matthew could not have come at a worse time. 

“The resort suffered significant landscaping, roof and other rain and wind-related damages that we are quickly working with local  contractors to rectify in order to re-open the resort for business by the end of this month. 

“The entrance and landscaping of the grounds looked like a visitor from Jurassic Park had stopped by, and we took a direct hit from the winds and rain of the storm whipped from the south-east to the north-west.”

Mr Leblanc added: “Luckily, the main building is solid and strong, so all we have to deal with are the intrusions caused by such heavy winds and rain. 

“Palm tree trunks broke in half, metal frames bent like cardboard and huge pine trees toppled. The newly-constructed boardwalk and terrace remained unscathed. 

“We had no broken glass or injuries, which we are grateful for. We are now prepared to open by the end of October and assess the decision and situation daily as works are completed. We will be sending out a press release for a special targeted opening to the Bahamian residents.”

Mr Leblanc said that due to the effects of Hurricane Matthew, not all four restaurants at the 244-room, adults-only, all-inclusive resort will be open simultaneously during the remainder of 2016.

“Due to the effects of Hurricane Matthew, not all four of our restaurants will be open simultaneously at all times during the remainder of 2016,” he explained. 

“We will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, along with snacks and our full menu from Chickcharnies every day.  All other services and facilities of the Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas are available with the exception of the previously announced spa that will open later in the fall, along with the seaside terrace restaurant.”

The resort, in a notice on its website, said: “Due to damages caused by Hurricane Matthew, Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas has been forced to interrupt the soft opening until a later date to be announced shortly. 

“Reservations may be made as of today from 18 November, 2016, onward with availability updated as soon as confirmed dates are available for repairs.”

Warwick International Hotels and Resorts purchased the former Paradise Island Harbour Resort in 2012 via a reported $6.8 million deal from Lehman Brothers Holdings and Driftwood Hospitality Management (via Gemwood Paradise Ltd), during an auction.