Dart projects move forward

The Dart Group is advancing an array of initiatives related to the ForCayman Investment Alliance as well as at Camana Bay, most notably the interior demolition of the former Courtyard by Marriott on Seven Mile Beach.  

The first phase of the redevelopment of the Marriott into a new four- to five-star hotel began in late August, generating work for dozens of Caymanians, according to the contractor. 

“At the peak of the job we had over 60 Caymanians employed, with four or fewer work-permit holders on the job,” said Dean Scott, managing director of Island Builders, which was hired by Dart Enterprise Contracting Company to be the primary contractor for the demolition works. 

Mr. Scott, who owns Island Builders along with wife Jennifer, said the stripping of the building – including drywall, sheetrock, metal studs, floor tiles and wall tiles – began 29 August and will be finished within the week, ahead of the five-week timeline called for by the contract. All that is left is to jackhammer the ground floor, he said. 

“We’re ahead of schedule due to the excellence of manpower. However, since my contract is only for the initial phase, I cannot foresee maintaining that level of workforce without securing additional contract work,” he said. 

After demolition 

The second phase of the Marriott redevelopment will involve the redesign and renovation of the building into a new hotel. Mr. Scott’s understanding is the new hotel would end up being oriented in the opposite direction of the former Marriott, with landscaping and a pool on the existing beachside parking lot, and the new parking area on the building’s east side, facing the Esterley Tibbetts Highway – contingent on the closure of the adjacent section of West Bay Road. Mr. Scott said he is looking forward to submitting a proposal to be involved in future work on the hotel, once the competitive bid process opens. 

He added that he is hopeful negotiations are successful concerning the Dart-government ForCayman partnership, comprising the Marriott redevelopment, highway extension, West Bay Road closure, George Town landfill remediation and creation of a new landfill in Bodden Town so that more local residents can secure employment “in a sustainable manner”. He said popular criticism of Dart and other outside investors is unwarranted and potentially detrimental. 

“I feel like the Cayman Islands is running away investors while every other country in the world is trying to attract them, whether it’s the Shetty hospital or Dart. The mass populace of the people is trying to hinder development when we need sustainable and wise development immediately,” he said. 

Jerome Terry from Bodden Town, one of the construction workers employed by Island Builders, said, “I am very thankful for this opportunity to get some work a and make an honest living – not to put money into the bank, but just to buy food and pay my bills.” 

Additional contracts 

In addition to Island Builders, two other companies were awarded contracts to assist with the demolition of the Marriott, Island Waste Carriers for waste removal and MEPCO for temporary site electronics. 

Island Waste Carriers managing director Jason M. Brown said he did not have to go out and do significant hiring like Island Builders did, but said the job has been helpful in creating steady work for his existing employees. 

“We’re happy to work for Dart and DECCO Ltd because they have provided us with opportunities for steady work, and over the years we have maintained a good working relationship,” he said. 

Mr. Brown said his company has also been assisting with construction of the Solaris Avenue building in Camana Bay. Likewise, Mr. Scott said his company has enjoyed a good work history with Dart, including on the construction of Camana Bay’s Arts & Recreation Centre. 

ForCayman 

“At the core of the ForCayman Investment Alliance is my government’s belief that the best strategy for achieving sustainable growth in the Cayman Islands’ economy is to encourage the private sector to do what it does best, create wealth and generate jobs,” said Premier McKeeva Bush. “The work currently taking place at the former Courtyard by Marriott is an example of this strategy in action. Over 60 Caymanians have work because a local company won the contract for demolition works.” 

“This is the first of many contracts that will be awarded to local businesses for the redevelopment of the hotel,” said Jackie Doak, Chief Operating Officer of Dart Realty (Cayman). “Once we have determined the brand affiliation, service amenities and final design attributes, we will be in a position to move forward.” 

According to Dart, redevelopment of the Marriott is expected to create 230 construction jobs, plus 170 jobs when the hotel is operational. On 6 September, representatives of the government and Dart held a groundbreaking ceremony on the highway extension after Cabinet approved the new road earlier that day.  

In late July, a topping off ceremony was held to celebrate a construction milestone on the Solaris Avenue building, which is expected to be complete in mid-2012. At the time, Mrs. Doak said the building would possibly be joined by a sister building now being called Solaris Avenue North, that is in the design phase. Additionally, work on the George Town Landfill remediation, new Bodden Town landfill, and next phase of residential construction at Camana Bay was projected to start in the first quarter of 2012. 

New at Camana Bay 

During a Chamber of Commerce business after hours event at Camana Bay on 8 September, Town Centre manager Ken Hydes announced a list of businesses that soon will be opening up at Camana Bay. The businesses include US jewellery brand Pandora, juice bar Jessie’s Juice, frozen yogurt shop Ginger Lily, kitchen store and cooking school Bon Vivant Kitchen Studio, a gourmet and organic grocery store from Foster’s, island apparel store Caribbean Canvas, gym CrossFit Cayman, chocolate shop Cocoa Couture and Mac retailer The Apple Store. Restaurants include KARoo, from Abacus owners Markus Mueri and Neil Bryington, as well as an additional location for Champion House.