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By Al Edwards, Financial Editor - Daily Gleaner, Jamaica

Chris Blackwell is one of the Caribbean's leading entrepreneurs and has played no small part in putting Jamaican culture on the map. His business ventures span entertainment, hotels and property management all done with his distinctive verve. He is now concentrating on establishing a number of eclectic resorts which are a far cry from the more traditional all-inclusive hotels that have come to define Jamaican tourism.

He is now expanding his tourism enclaves in Jamaica, namely Goldeneye in Oracabessa, The Caves in Negril and Strawberry Hill in rural St.Andrew, and is catering for a more discerning visitor in search of a unique Jamaican experience. Speaking exclusively with the Financial Gleaner from The Caves this week, Mr. Blackwell outlined his vision for tourism in Jamaica and spoke of his plans for his tourism properties on the island.

"I am aiming for a more discerning type of market and people who like a particular lifestyle. Both Butch's (Gordon Stewart) and John Issa's properties offer a different kind of product. They offer the more organised and structured experience. In our case it is far different - nature is the star with us. Visitors create their own lifestyle choices and entertainment on our properties. We don't organise events for visitors. Our resorts are for people who want to come and get close to the real organic feel of Jamaica, that's what I am trying to do here"

Mr. Blackwell says that the Jamaican tourism authorities, more particularly the Jamaica Tourism Board, JTB and TPDCo, are supportive of this alternative vision of tourism for the country. "When we go to them for things they have been helpful to a degree. They do give us the incentives and such and they appreciate what we are doing but these organisations are structured in such a way that still sees the bigger bucks that come into the country and the larger number of people employed going to the larger hotels.

EXPANSION OF PROPERTIES

Chris Blackwell owns and operates Goldeneye in , The Caves in Negril and Strawberry Hill in Irish Town in rural St. Andrew. He also markets Jakes in Calabash Bay. He is currently undergoing an expansion of his three properties so that one model serves all three properties.

The Caves is situated on the western tip of Jamaica and operates as an intimate 10-room boutique resort with a mini Aveda spa that looks out on deep blue water. An additional eight-acre parcel connected to the resort by a tunnel under the main road is being developed as a residential resort community with 17 villa lots, a service lot and a commercial lot reserved for expansion of the Aveda Spa.

RESIDENTIAL UNITS

An affiliated entity, Island Real Estate (IRE) will design, build and sell all residential units on a turnkey basis to a select group of local and international clientele. Recently the Robb Report voted the Caves one of the top 10 getaways in the Caribbean and Aveda will be showcasing its products at the Caves. There are now plans to build an Aveda destination spa at the Caves next year .

" We will be expanding our presence in the West end community of Negril and will be taking it to new heights."
Mr. Blackwell will be developing another 28 acres at Strawberry Hill and will be dotting this resort with cottages and villas.

The plan is to expand the number of villas and to add some guest houses and a spa at Goldeneye. Goldeneye was the house where the English thriller writer, Ian Flemming wrote 17 of his James Bond books. The property includes James Bond Beach which has become a venue for concerts and shows. Mr. Blackwell said that the expansion of Goldeneye would cost approximately US$50 million while the additions at the Caves should come in at around US$8 million.

Part 2 next week