Princess Jamaica to open nation's first casino
Published:Friday | December 13, 2024 | 8:18 AMJanet Silvera/Gleaner Writer -
WESTERN BUREAU:
Jamaica is set to welcome its first casino, with Princess Jamaica, the island’s newest resort, announcing plans to open a full-service gaming facility by the fourth quarter of 2025.
The development was revealed by Enrico Pezzoli, managing director of Princess Hotels and Resorts, during the grand opening of the resort in Green Island, Hanover Thursday evening.
“Construction is already under way,” Pezzoli stated.
The casino promises to offer a state-of-the-art gaming lounge, complemented by world-class dining and beverage experiences, elevating Jamaica’s all-inclusive offerings and solidifying its appeal as a premier destination for global travellers.
Beyond its ambitious casino plans, Princess Jamaica has committed to fostering strong relationships with the Green Island community. Pezzoli emphasised the resort’s dedication to sustainability and community engagement.
“I am confident that our best days lie ahead, and I’m truly honoured to be part of this incredible journey with all of you. Together, we will continue to make a lasting impact, not just within our organization, but in the lives of those we serve with one love and pure passion,” he said.
In line with this commitment, the resort has already adopted Green Island High School and Harvard Hall private school, while forging close partnerships with local hospitals, including Noel Holmes Hospital and Savanna-la-mar General Public Hospital. This community-focused approach aims to create a positive and enduring legacy in the region.
The development of the casino comes as part of a broader vision to position Jamaica as a leading destination for luxury tourism. Pezzoli expressed gratitude to various government agencies, including the Casino Gaming Commission and the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), for their guidance in ensuring the project’s compliance with environmental and regulatory standards. The resort spans 100 acres of mangrove and has implemented measures to restore and preserve this crucial ecosystem. Additionally, Princess Jamaica has invested in sustainable technologies, including a reverse osmosis plant for water treatment and a tri-generation plant powered by natural gas to produce electricity efficiently.
The introduction of casino gambling is expected to attract a new wave of tourists to Jamaica, contributing significantly to the island’s economy. Pezzoli highlighted the resort’s early success, noting that Princess Grand Jamaica has already climbed to the number two position on TripAdvisor in its category after just six weeks of operation.
The announcement was met with enthusiasm and marked a pivotal moment for Jamaica’s hospitality sector.
Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett commended the venture, highlighting its significance as the first casino in the island’s history.
"This is the first casino in Jamaica’s history, a significant addition to our tourism product, further enhancing Jamaica's position as a premier destination."
The Princess is the largest hotel to be opened in Jamaica in 15 years, boasting over 1,000 rooms in its first stage, said the tourism minister.
The hotel has an initial 1,400 workers in its employ, with plans to move that number up to 1,700 in a few weeks, soon after the start of the winter tourist season which kicks off on Sunday.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who officially cut the ribbon to declare the hotel open, also lauded the project’s vision and its contribution to the local economy.
"Every room has a view of the sea, and that's fantastic. This investment—a major one by any standard—signals confidence in Jamaica’s stable economic environment," Holness remarked. "Stability brings opportunities for investors to take calculated risks, and our administration has worked tirelessly to create this environment over the last nine years."
Holness also emphasised the broader impact of the development, including infrastructure improvements, the creation of jobs, and the preservation of Green Island’s natural beauty. He revealed plans for further developments to support the growth of the area, including fixing the seawall road, initiating a bypass for Lucea, and creating a new airport, all aimed at solidifying Jamaica’s reputation as a world-class tourism destination.