by PHILLIPPE AIMEY

CINNAMON 88, contractors of the multimillion-dollar Four Seasons resort, has still not given word on a date for resumption of the project, but sources tell the SUNDAY SUN, that work may resume in earnest by April 21.

Sources say that $150 million had been injected into the project by a Canadian company to help facilitate the project's restart since it was halted on February 19.

However, Michael Pemberton, chief executive officer at Cinnamon 88, had "no comment" in relation to the Canadian investment, but said things were looking positive.

"I still can't give too many details at this time, but I can say we are moving in the right direction . . . . these procedures do take some time as we have to sort the relevant paper work with lawyers and all the parties involved before we proceed, but things are positive," he said.

According to another source, temporary work has already begun to get the site ready for a restart, while local contractors, hired to provide a high percentage of the labour requirements, have been informed of an April 21 restart date.

"Basic work has started with cables being pulled to get the electricians back in, but it will be gradual before things go full blast again. From the information I've received, the major work will get on the way from April 21 and still then I don't think there will be as much activity like before it stopped," one source said.

"My boss informed me this week that workers would be going back to Four Seasons and although we were not out of work, we were glad to hear that because not everyone was able to move on to another job site the following week," a mason who was laid off from the project said.

Same opportunities

According to Cinnamon 88, the project's halt was only to facilitate a review of the design and scale of the development and should have taken a few working days.

However, financial difficulties with one of the major investors was later cited as the reason. Last month, some of the project's investors, which included some of Europe's biggest celebrities were said to be forming an action group to get the project moving.

Some of them have already made deposits to secure luxury villas at the Black Rock, St Michael development, retailing between US$10 million and US$40 million.

l phillippeaimey@nationnews.com