Hanna - Investing in development
Published:Saturday | November 2, 2013 | 12:00 AM
Gareth Davis Sr., Gleaner Writer
Portland:
Making the switch from construction to becoming a developer was an easy task for Errol Hanna, owner of Sea Cliff Resort, located at Ross Craig in Portland.
Hanna, who started out in the swimming pool business after returning to Jamaica in 1981, made the transition to actual construction. However, an ugly incident in 1999, resulting in him being shot and an employee being killed on a construction site in Kingston, prompted him to visit Portland to view its natural beauty.
"I fell in love with the parish," commented Hanna.
He added: "It was not my first time here (Portland), but during that visit, I spent weeks visiting different communities in east Portland and I was captivated. It was then that I stumbled upon the property at Ross Craig, and it was there that I decided to make my stop. Portland has a rich history in tourism, and it is sad to see the decline in that sector. I have a long-term plan to invest in tourism, which is arguably the way forward for this parish."
Revival of tourism
Hanna, who is now concentrating on developing the Ross Craig property into a resort area, pointed out that it is his intention to attempt a revival of tourism in east Portland, which is famous for its white-sand beaches, lush vegetation, and pristine beauty.
But according to Hanna, he has reserved his decision to undertake any major development thus far due to the global economic downturn. He, however, noted that his intention to construct one-bedroom units, which will be sold to prospective buyers, will be a reality the minute the real-estate market shows signs of improvement.
The Ross Craig property is all seafront and sits on seven acres of gently sloped land on a cliff of about 80 feet at its highest point, with a white-sand beach lurking below. The property is located along the main road, approximately three miles from Long Bay.
Continuing, Hanna said: "I intend to construct 40 one-bedroom units, which will add to the number of accommodation (habitable rooms) in Portland. There is a high shortage of such accommodation in the parish, which in total is approximately 500. And if you take into consideration the number of hotels and resorts that have closed their doors, then that number is alarmingly short. During the holidays, there is a shortage of rooms, and that is why I am determined to undertake this initiative."