The many legal twists and turns surrounding Caravanserai Resort in the previous months and years did neither the island nor its reputation much good. Now that the property at Beacon Hill finally has been sold by auction there seems to be some light at the end of a long and dark tunnel.
The Workers Institute for Organised Labour (WIFOL) in any case is glad that the incoming management agreed to keep on the nine permanent employees represented by the union with their salaries and benefits (see related story), although the future of the many casual and part-time workers remains uncertain. The intention is now to negotiate a collective labour agreement (CLA).
But apart from the personnel there are other concerns. The complex in its existing state reportedly is not considered profitable, while there are several areas still under construction.
The stated intention is to "put things in order" by bringing about a so-called turnaround and making the guests "comfortable." Precisely what that means is anybody's guess, but it sounds hopeful enough.
One crucial issue concerns previously un-kept promises to clients and potential clients. The new owners would do well to provide clarity post-haste especially to the persons involved.
The latter is important in terms of St. Maarten's name as a place where one safely can buy real estate, timeshare, etc. Controversy and irregularities regarding several tourist accommodation projects over the last few decades have tarnished that image to a greater extent than many may realise.
There is every reason to believe such undesirable situations will become a thing of the past at Caravanserai. The resort has been troubled since it suffered extensive storm damage back in the early 1990s, despite an extensive expansion – since halted – that allowed the establishment of Dunes Casino there.
The idea obviously was that the latter would help cover the investments and other cost, but apparently that didn't go as planned. The location and finished units are of such a quality, however, that a successful operation most definitely should be possible.
