A large gathering comprising Government of Anguilla officials, industry partners, tour operators, contractors, media representatives and other invited guests, witnessed the official ribbon-cutting and red carpet opening of CuisinArt Resort and Residences on Monday afternoon, December 3.
The event, in the lobby area of the main attractively redesigned and enhanced CuisinArt Building, was presided over by Mr. Stephane Zaharia, President & Managing Director of the five-star property. The CuisinArt Resort also comprises The Reef by CuisinArt, villas, estate residences, restaurants, an 18-Hole Greg Norman Signature Design Championship Golf Course and a Club House. The property is considered to be among the best in the Caribbean. The tourism resort was brought to Anguilla by former American billionaire businessman, the late Mr. Leandro P. ‘Lee’ Rizzuto, who died one year ago.
In his opening address, Mr. Zaharia said he had planned the official reopening date of the property especially in honour of Mr. Rizzuto. “We made it with a lot of joy but also with a little bit of sadness because today, December 3rd, is actually one year since the passing of Mr. Rizzuto.
“I promised myself and the team that it has to be recognized. Our relationship with this wonderful man is such that a day like that cannot go without thinking of him. We could not be here without his dedication and graciousness…If he had not said to me on the phone ‘just do whatever needs to be done’, we would not be sitting all around here sharing and cherishing this special moment.” Mr. Zaharia was referring to the outstanding refurbishing of the property following the damage sustained from Hurricane Irma in September 2017.
He also acknowledged a number of “special people” who, with Mr. Rizzuto’s commitment, also made the restoration work possible and in a record time – eleven months. “I speak to a lot of people in Europe and the United States, and nobody believes us that [with] this kind of job and project, and the beauty of this place, [it could have been done] after sixteen months ago [when it] was completely destroyed and completely disseminated (plus or minus).” The people Mr. Zaharia spoke about were the Anguillian contractors led by the Project Manager, Mr. Ronan Arava.
Mr. Zaharia invited the former Priest at St. Gerard’s Roman Catholic Church in Anguilla, now serving in Tortola, Fr. Paul Czoch, to bless the property. The Priest, who was the spiritual leader and friend of Mr. Rizzuto, used a palm leaf and water from the property to perform the blessing.
Acting Governor, Mr. Perin Bradley, recalled that as part of the highlights of his public service career he was a member of a negotiating team which met with Mr. Rizzuto during his acquisition and investment talks in Anguilla.
About Mr. Rizzuto, Mr. Bradley said: “He loved this property and the people who worked here. So for me, the most important thing that I am taking away from this reopening ceremony is to see so many people back to work. I am sure he would be so proud and happy to see that. I think he felt as if his staff were his family.” Mr. Bradley added: “Stephane, you did a wonderful job in recognizing Mr. Rizzuto. I don’t think a moment like this should pass without some reference to him and his vision. I want to thank you and the entire team for getting to this point. I wish you all a wonderful season. I also want to congratulate Mr. Rizzuto’s family for keeping his vision alive at this property. I think he would have wanted what we have today.”
Parliamentary Secretary, Tourism, Mr.Cardigan Connor, said: “I think one of the things that Rizzuto has done for us in Anguilla is to give a chance to our people. You [Mr. Zaharia] mentioned the work that was done here by Anguillian professionals, not just labour. If we are given a chance we will succeed. As we work together going forward, that is all we ask. Anguilla brings so much to the Caribbean as a destination – and we can talk about the great hotels, the great food, the beaches that God gave us but, at the end of the day, without the energy of the people, whether they were born here or become Anguillians like yourself, that is the key to our success.”
Mr. Connor commended Mr. Zaharia for his commitment and passion to restore the CuisinArt property after the hurricane. “There was some apprehension about who is going to rebuild, who is going to run away. The fact is that you stayed and came back bigger and stronger. As we go into this season, of great promise, we wish you all the best. We thank you, and all of our hoteliers who helped to commit to Anguilla as we go forward in the tourism industry. I think the key is that Anguillians be part of that development… and you are one of us.”
Chairperson of The Anguilla Tourist Board, Mrs. Donna Banks, told Mr. Zaharia: “Your transformation is exceptional. In fact, it is beyond extraordinary. From your entrance to the beach, to the rooms, to the chargers in the chairs in the spa, to the state-of-the-art conference facilities, to the children’s water park, and to the dining experience, they are all extraordinary.
“The Anguilla Tourist Board salutes the [Rizzuto] family, the management and staff, the designers and the contractors, for delivering to us a product that epitomizes our message that Anguilla is beyond extraordinary. We wish the entire team at CuisinArt Resort and Residences every success now and always, and may your occupancy, and bottom line going forward, reflect the exceptional standards and quality of your product…
“As Chairperson of the Anguilla Tourist Board, I can confidently declare that CuisinArt Resort and Residences is beyond extraordinary. Congratulations. This is a job well done.”
Mrs. Gilda Gumbs-Samuel, Executive Director of the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association, recalled praying after having seen the devastation to the CuisinArt property by Hurricane Irma. She said she got what she prayed for – a beautiful property. “As CuisinArt took the opportunity to come back bigger and better, is testimony that difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations,” she said speaking on behalf of the Association and its membership. “I extend warmest congratulations to the Ownership, Management and Staff and everyone who contributed go the rebirth of this beautifully refurbished property. Your brand new facility, with its added amenities, provides the perfect setting for a fabulous and memorable Anguillian experience.
“A special thank you, and congratulations, must go out to Mr. Stephane Zaharia who has carried the brunt of this awesome responsibility on his shoulders with grace, focus and commitment. You have done your job well, Sir. You should be proud…”
Following the addresses, the ribbon was cut by Mr. Zaharia along with Acting Chief Minister, Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge; Parliamentary Secretary, Tourism, Mr. Cardigan Connor; Mrs. Donna Banks, Chairperson of the Anguilla Tourist Board; and Fr. Paul Czoch.
The invited guests took the opportunity to view some of the surrounding public areas of the resort.
Asked about some of the refurbishing work at the hotel complex, Mr. Zaharia told The Anguillian newspaper that the property had been completely renovated. The lobby completely changed and upgraded. The name of the restaurant, Café Mediterraneo, has been changed to Mosaic, now a true concrete structure. All public areas have been upgraded with brand new furniture – including a full renovation of rooms and beach furniture. There has been a full renovation at the Golf Course – from the greens to the bunkers, to the fairways, including brand new golf carts. Santorini Restaurant, which was normally at CuisinArt, has been moved to the Club House and converted to a 5,000 square-foot ballroom. It will be able to host up to 350 people for group incentives, weddings and other events.
Mr. Zaharia added that the standards had been raised at the property which, as before, is considered to be a true five-star resort in the Caribbean region, resulting in an increase of staff.
