Economy

Governor Bryan Says New, Major Hotel Will Be Built On St. Croix During His First Term In Office

ST. CROIX -- A new, major hotel with hundreds of rooms has not been built on St. Croix in almost 20 years, with Divi Carina Bay Resort being the last to open on the big island. (There's the award-winning The Fred Hotel in Frederiksted, but that's a small, boutique operation.) Former Governor Kenneth Mapp in May 2016 said his administration was ready to move forward with the next phase of a four-star hotel project on St. Croix, following a $50,000 (paid through the Public Finance Authority) destination study to locate an area here to best fit the upcoming resort. The former governor even unveiled what he called a transaction team that would lead the effort. Then, in August of the same year, Mr. Mapp approved $1 million for professional services, studies, project development and expenses related to the St. Croix branded hotel project. Mr. Mapp during his years in office saw the need for a new hotel on St. Croix, arguing that the island remained far behind in room accommodation....