Commodore J. V. Bainimarama,
CF(Mil), OSt.J, MSD, jssc, psc

Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, Public Service, Peoples Charter for Change and Progress, Information, iTaukei Affairs, Sugar Industry and Lands and Mineral Resources
(CURRENT CHAIRMAN OF THE GROUP OF 77 & CHINA)

Official Opening of WYNDHAM RESORT STAGE THREE
Marquee, Monday 21 October, 2013
Wyndham Vacation Resorts, Denarau
1600 Hours


The Attorney General and Minister for Tourism,
Tui Nadi
The President & CEO of Wyndham Vacation Ownership, Mr Franz Hanning,
The CEO and Managing Director of Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific, Mr Barry Robinson,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen.

Bula Vinaka and a very good afternoon to you all.

Today marks the completion of a very important project here on Denarau and I’m delighted to be here for the opening of the third stage of the Wyndham Resort.

The Wyndham group is one of the largest hospitality companies in the world. With its investment in the additional new 63 apartments here in Denarau at a cost of approximately $50 million signals not only an enormous vote of confidence in our tourism industry but also the Fijian economy.

On behalf of the Fijian Government, I want to express my appreciation to the Wyndham Group-through Mr Hanning and Mr. Robinson - for its commitment to Fiji.

I’m especially pleased about the way in which Wyndham has made a policy of forging local partnerships for much of the work carried out here. It has strengthened the local business base and provided many more opportunities for employment beyond the resort.

Wyndham chose a Fijian company – Architects Pacific – to design the Stage Three development and another Fijian company – Pacific Building Solutions –to build it.

Fijians were also used as consultants, subcontractors and suppliers and the labor came from the local community.

You indeed are supporting my Government's initiative of Buy Fijian and Fijian Made.

Ladies and Gentlemen my government has very much focused on playing a facilitating role and providing targeted support and initiatives. This is to give impetus to the private sector and improve the economic base our country with the view to provide sustained livelihoods for all Fijians.

Unprecedented consistency in policies has led to unprecedented levels of foreign reserves, new investments and growth in economic opportunities for all Fijians. Recent economic forecast has our growth rates revised upwards to 3.6 percent.

The new and ground breaking Fijian constitution has provided further impetus and confidence since it resolves long outstanding issues thereby consolidating stability, transparency and a modern approach to the governance of Fiji.

And so, Ladies and Gentlemen, with those few words, I thank Wyndham for its contribution to Fiji over the past 13 years and wish it many more years of success. And I now take great pleasure in officially opening the third stage of the Wyndham development, here in Denarau.

Vinaka vakalevu, Thank You.