Prospective Investors in Barbados may Have to Focus on Sustainability

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The development of Sandals Royal Barbados Resort has raised concerns that the project is causing significant environmental damage.

As Sandals expands its existing resort, many voices have risen to oppose the US$160 million construction, with sustainability enthusiast, Jim Webster, pointing out how the area’s natural and built heritage was being destroyed.

Speaking to Barbados Today, Webster pointed out that a cemetery dating back to the 17th century would be damaged, noting that Sandal’s project was toying with the island’s rich vegetation and heritage, which are the very attractions that pull tourists to Barbados.

Others like cousins, Andrew Cornwall and Nicholas Zephirin, have said they were ready to fill in a trench that had been dug by Sandals workmen.

Saying they own a two-acre beachfront property across from Sandals that has been in their family for over a century, the men are prepared to take the fight to Sandals over what they believe is encroachment.

While the hotel giant’s public relations manager, David Hinds insists the project was carried out in accordance with all necessary permits and assessments, it is clear that Barbados takes the business of protecting the environment seriously.

Being a developing small-island state, Barbados remains concerned about energy security, environmental sustainability, and issues like garbage disposal.

During a ceremony marking the finale of the Flip the Switch competition, Minister with responsibility for Energy, Senator Darcy Boyce, said by the end of the year, about 40 community centres, polyclinics, and other public buildings in the island will have solar photovoltaic systems installed.

With these developments, foreign investors looking to invest in Barbados are presented a massive opportunity to gain the confidence of both the government and the citizens by focusing on projects that promote environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.

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