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LOCAL NEWS

Peter Island Resort plans $multi-million enhancements

Peter Island Resort - twice named one of the "Best Places to Stay in the World" by Cond Nast Traveler - is reinforcing its commitment to the BVI's tourism industry with a $3.2 million investment in property enhancements.
New owners Barbara Van Andel-Gaby and Richard Gaby presented both their immediate plans and long-term view for the sprawling property during a luncheon at the luxury resort last Friday.

The function was attended by several dignitaries including His Excellency the Acting Governor Mr. Elton Georges, Chief Minister the Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal, Speaker of the Legislative Council Hon. Reuben Vanterpool, Leader of the Opposition Dr. the Honourable Orlando Smith, other Legislators, including Hon. Eileene Parsons, Hon. Ronnie Skelton, Hon. Dr. Kedrick Pickering and Hon. Lloyd Black and Director of Government Affairs for Amway John Gartland.

For the past 20 years, Jay Van Andel, co-founder of Amway Corporation, along with partner Rich de Voss, owned and operated Peter Island. The Van Andel family purchased Peter Island in September 2000. Daughter Barb and her husband Rick were appointed as Chief Executive Officers to oversee the operation and management of the resort.

Mrs. Van Andel-Gaby spoke to the personalized service one receives at Peter Island. She touted the many aspects of the resort that have stayed the same over the years, including ownership, their continued support and desire to offer employment opportunities to the people of the BVI and their continued investment in the improvement of the property.

"Chief, Governor, I pledge my family's support to you and to your administration to continue to improve Peter Island as a premier destination in the world, she declared.

The three-month beachfront room re-design project is scheduled to begin August 15 and end November 15th. The enhancement targets 20 of the luxury resort's 52 rooms, dedicating $155,000 to each beachfront suite. The makeover will capture the flavour of Euro-Caribbean styling with an open floor plan that takes advantage of the island's tropical setting.

These refinements continue the owners tradition of raising the resort's luxury standards yet another notch. This past September, Peter Island Resort launched the most ambitious staff training and food and beverage programmes to date, with new menus and enhanced restaurant facilities. The last significant alteration to the beach rooms was done in 1984.
While some things stay the same, the CEO noted that others change. The part that has changed is the increasing competition we face in the Caribbean and around the world.

Tourism is the territory's largest industry, generating 45 per cent of the national income. Mrs. Van Andel-Gaby however noted that BVI tourism has softened this year, due mainly to the number of resorts being built in the Caribbean and Indian Ocean and that guests have become far more sophisticated and far more traveled.

She said they believe that in order to remain competitive, they must improve their facilities and bring in experts to help operate the resort and to train locals. The new owners of Peter Island Resort will continue to get the support of the ruling administration of Chief Minister the Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal. He said the expansion programme is an indication of their confidence in the BVI government and its people.

It is our duty, all Members of the Legislative Council, to give encouragement to investors who are willing to invest their money and to train our people, the Chief Minister stated. And this is one of the secrets of Peter Island, they have trained our people; and it's a great pleasure when you come to Peter Island to be so graciously treated by our people.

The five-diamond resort was also commended for incorporating the name Peter Island, the original name of the island, into its property. Hon. O'Neal successfully piloted a bill through the Legislative Council last Thursday that prohibits anyone from using a name other than the original name of an area in the BVI in any official capacity.

Peter Island Resort pampers discerning guests on a private island, 1,800 acres or 7.2 square kilometers, blessed with five dramatic beaches, 20 secluded coves and a promise of personalization.

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			LOCAL NEWS

			Peter Island Resort plans $multi-million enhancements Peter Island Resort - twice named one of the "Best Places to Stay in the World" by Cond Nast Traveler - is reinforcing its commitment to the BVI's tourism industry with a $3.2 million investment in property enhancements. New owners Barbara Van Andel-Gaby and Richard Gaby presented both their immediate plans and long-term view for the sprawling property during a luncheon at the luxury resort last Friday. The function was attended by several dignitaries including His Excellency the Acting Governor Mr. Elton Georges, Chief Minister the Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal, Speaker of the Legislative Council Hon. Reuben Vanterpool, Leader of the Opposition Dr. the Honourable Orlando Smith, other Legislators, including Hon. Eileene Parsons, Hon. Ronnie Skelton, Hon. Dr. Kedrick Pickering and Hon. Lloyd Black and Director of Government Affairs for Amway John Gartland. For the past 20 years, Jay Van Andel, co-founder of Amway Corporation, along with partner Rich de Voss, owned and operated Peter Island. The Van Andel family purchased Peter Island in September 2000. Daughter Barb and her husband Rick were appointed as Chief Executive Officers to oversee the operation and management of the resort. Mrs. Van Andel-Gaby spoke to the personalized service one receives at Peter Island. She touted the many aspects of the resort that have stayed the same over the years, including ownership, their continued support and desire to offer employment opportunities to the people of the BVI and their continued investment in the improvement of the property. "Chief, Governor, I pledge my family's support to you and to your administration to continue to improve Peter Island as a premier destination in the world, she declared. The three-month beachfront room re-design project is scheduled to begin August 15 and end November 15th. The enhancement targets 20 of the luxury resort's 52 rooms, dedicating $155,000 to each beachfront suite. The makeover will capture the flavour of Euro-Caribbean styling with an open floor plan that takes advantage of the island's tropical setting. These refinements continue the owners tradition of raising the resort's luxury standards yet another notch. This past September, Peter Island Resort launched the most ambitious staff training and food and beverage programmes to date, with new menus and enhanced restaurant facilities. The last significant alteration to the beach rooms was done in 1984. While some things stay the same, the CEO noted that others change. The part that has changed is the increasing competition we face in the Caribbean and around the world. Tourism is the territory's largest industry, generating 45 per cent of the national income. Mrs. Van Andel-Gaby however noted that BVI tourism has softened this year, due mainly to the number of resorts being built in the Caribbean and Indian Ocean and that guests have become far more sophisticated and far more traveled. She said they believe that in order to remain competitive, they must improve their facilities and bring in experts to help operate the resort and to train locals. The new owners of Peter Island Resort will continue to get the support of the ruling administration of Chief Minister the Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal. He said the expansion programme is an indication of their confidence in the BVI government and its people. It is our duty, all Members of the Legislative Council, to give encouragement to investors who are willing to invest their money and to train our people, the Chief Minister stated. And this is one of the secrets of Peter Island, they have trained our people; and it's a great pleasure when you come to Peter Island to be so graciously treated by our people. The five-diamond resort was also commended for incorporating the name Peter Island, the original name of the island, into its property. Hon. O'Neal successfully piloted a bill through the Legislative Council last Thursday that prohibits anyone from using a name other than the original name of an area in the BVI in any official capacity. Peter Island Resort pampers discerning guests on a private island, 1,800 acres or 7.2 square kilometers, blessed with five dramatic beaches, 20 secluded coves and a promise of personalization.
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