Shops demolished as new RIU hotel prepares to open in Trelawny

The authorities have demolished small shops located at the front of the new RIU Aquarelle in Coopers Pen, Trelawny, in preparation for the opening of the hotel.

The action by the Trelawny police and the Trelawny Municipal Corporation came after notices were served on the operators.

"They were allowed to occupy an area in the vicinity of the hotel. They sold a variety of goods to the mostly 700 workers who were employed during the construction phase.

"Now that the hotel is scheduled to open on May 4, 2024, they have to move so that the RIU people can prepare the entrance to welcome guests," Superintendent of Police Winston Milton told The Gleaner.

Tony who operated a cook shop was disappointed, but has already started to look ahead..

"A glorious era has come to an end. It helped me and my family for the two years. I will just move on and look for more opportunities," said Tony.

The RIU Aquarelle, which is the seventh property in the hotel chain in Jamaica, is expected to employ 400 workers.

- Leon Jackson

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