If you’re a fan of Caneel Bay Resort, we’ve good news for you. The US Department of the Interior and EHI Acquisitions, LLC have agreed to re-enter lease negotiations and resume environmental assessment at Caneel Bay that is widely recognized as one of the first eco-friendly resorts in the United States. EHI Acquisitions, LLC is an affiliate of CBI Acquisitions, LLC that is currently serving as the operator of Caneel Bay Resort.
In 1956, the Virgin Island National Park and Caneel Bay Resort opened simultaneously, thanks to Laurance S. Rockefeller who took a decisive initiative of forming these two entities to preserve the natural scenic beauty of St. John, Virgin Islands.
Following Irma and Maria hurricanes in Sept. 2017, the Caneel Bay and St. John were badly devastated, and reopening the resort immediately was almost impossible. Since then both Federal and local authorities have been working to address all the issues involved to rebuild the Caneel Bay resort, which is crucial to both the employment of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the overall economic health of the Islands.
This agreement to work toward restoration is good for St. John because:
Caneel Bay Resort brings jobs to the island and helps the local population.
Caneel Bay Resort attracts visitors and tourism and helps the economy.
“We are gratified by this significant step and the positive progress toward rebuilding Caneel Bay, helping return St. John to a world-class destination, and the important economic engine this will provide to St. John,” said Gary Engle, President of EHI. “We share the National Park Service’s commitment to rebuilding Caneel Bay in a manner that protects and preserves the island’s natural and cultural resources.”
What’s your take on this? Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
