The BIU is pleased to hear that the Government has approved the SDO for Fairmont Southampton. While we understand the concerns of certain groups, there must be a balance between conservation interests and the need for necessary developments to enhance our tourism product and create job opportunities.
We believe that the renovation of Fairmont Southampton, and the development of residential units has
short-term and long-term benefits to Bermuda. In the short term, there will be an increase in construction jobs and this work will require a significant workforce which includes laborers, carpenters, electricians, etc. Additionally, it will bring increased business for local suppliers.
In the long term, the residential unitsshould provide an increase in occupancy rates which will help sustain
the long-term viability of the hotel and the job of its employees. Ms. Border’s statement that “Bermuda gets a short-term bump in construction business and some low-paid cleaning jobs” was an irresponsible and misrepresented statement. We would ask where the Bermuda National Trust’s protest was when the St. Regis Hotel and new airport were erected?
The addition of these residential units has the potential to increase jobs for property managers, real estate
agents, security personnel, concierge services, maintenance workers, housekeepers, food and beverage
servers and transportation services.
We look forward to the project beginning and many displaced workers getting back to work.
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