Lagoon Waterpark. From left: Carol Bourke, Shahine Robinson, Rohan
Miller, Laurie Ann Chin, (partly hidden) Richard Byles and Dr Wykeham
McNeill
Jewel Runaway Bay’s Lagoon Waterpark, is in full operation. The state of the art waterpark was officially opened at the Jewel Runaway Bay Beach and Golf Resort, on Tuesday, July 21. Jewel Runaway Bay Lagoon Waterpark was designed for guests of all ages. The 9,000 sq. ft. water park, built at a cost of $550 million, next to the main hotel property has been receiving thousands of visitors including local groups, children and overseas guests, ahead of the official opening. More than 45,000 visitors have been welcomed at the water park since it opened for business March 3.
The opening of the attraction represents a further push of the Sagicor Real Estate X Fund into the tourism industry. Sagicor owns the Jewel chain of luxury resorts.
In comments at the opening, Richard Byles, chairman of the Sagicor Real Estate X Fund and the president & CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica, said that “Sagicor remains committed to investing in Jamaica and delivering world class tourism products to Jamaica and the world”. He explained that this waterpark was the result of the $1.5 billion raised from the Sagicor IPO.
In his comments, tourism minister Dr Wykeham McNeill, commended Sagicor on the establishment of the waterpark and its investment in the industry. It said the group had demonstrated confidence in the tourism industry.Also speaking at the event was Opposition spokesman for tourism, Shahine Robinson who welcomed the development.Miss Jamaica World 2015 Laurie-Ann Chin made a special splash when she arrived at the opening through one of the water tunnels that snakes into the huge pool. She emerged, wiping away water, to be greeted by loud cheers before joining the officials to cut the ribbon for the official launch.
But there was another splash, unannounced and unprepared for when general manager for the hotel, Scott Robbins pulled over a fully clothed Carol Bourke general manager of Jewel Resorts, and threw her in. Mrs Bourke took it with her usual grace and aplomb before Mr Robbins also fully clothed splashed in too.
