Anguilla, British West Indies – August 21, 2012 – Charles and Linda Hickox, the original founders and financiers, as well as the owners of the Cap Juluca Resort, Crown Jewel of Anguilla, have today announced the closure of the property citing statements made by Chief Minister Hughes that “the resort is operating illegally”.
“We at Cap Juluca do not understand why Chief Minister Hughes has spoken out in a manner that is contradictory to the island’s best economic interests,” said Charles Hickox. “The lack of support to-date of the Anguillian Government and Chief Minister Hughes of our legal re-acquisition of Cap Juluca has forced us to reach this decision.”
“We were about to embark on an extensive renovation of the resort,” said Linda Hickox. “However, without support from Chief Minister Hughes and the Anguillian government, we cannot re-open Cap Juluca renovated and refreshed until we reach some level of compromise.”
For many years, Cap Juluca has been instrumental in the success of the Anguillian economy, benefitting companies from restaurant owners, taxi operators, water sports and transportation companies to boutiques and gift shops. The property employs more than 350 island residents and hosts an average of more than 50,000 guests annually, which aids in the stimulation and growth of the Anguillan economy.
In September 1995, when Hurricane Luis devastated theislandofAnguillaand shut down the majority of hotel operations for over a year, the Hickox family contributed millions of dollars personally to accelerate Cap Juluca’s re-construction. Their priority was to open the Hotel in time for the Christmas Season, to return commerce to Anguilla and resume work for its employees and suppliers.
