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On his royal throne
Published on: 6/7/2009.
by MARIA BRADSHAW
WHEN BRITISH BILLIONAIRE John Morphet bought the exclusive Royal Westmoreland Resort five years ago for £60 million he had huge plans for it as well as for the island.
To date, by dint of hard work and determination, he has taken the resort from an occupancy level of 30 per cent for its rental villas to over 90 per cent.
It has also commanded a very high repeat customer rate with more than 50 per cent of clients also buying holiday homes there.
During an interview with the SUNDAY SUN last week at his home, also located at the exclusive St James resort, and overlooking his vast investment, it was clear why he had fallen in love with the island while on vacation - and hence the purchase of Royal Westmoreland.
Playground for rich
About two years ago Morphet also acquired the neighbouring Lancaster Sugar Plantation for US$25 million on which he plans to develop 250 properties, including a 100 room hotel and an 18-hole championship golf course.
The acquisition of this playground for the rich and famous is another feather in the cap of this 54-year-old entrepreneur who also owns two golf courses in Britain and is involved in a range of other businesses - not forgetting his life on the farm.
It may come as a surprise but this self-confessed workaholic ("I don't know how to take a vacation") admits to being chief cook and bottle washer for the estate.
"I love work. I am very hands-on and totally in control of all my businesses in the UK and Barbados. I have no shareholders and no board to go back to.
"It's a big job but I can go home on my farm and then put on a suit and go to meetings in the office - which I do all the time. My businesses in the UK are widespread, so I get around quite a lot."
And even though he believes that the "planning authority" here is dragging its feet on giving the go-ahead for the Lancaster project - he is still willing to wait, albeit a bit impatiently, for the green light.
"They are not as quick as they should be. We just got back one application which we submitted back in April 2006," he lamented.
Of course he is disappointed, but he has no intention of putting his investment anywhere else.
"At the end of day John Morphet does not take any money off the island. All the money is reinvested back in Barbados. Not a a penny is taken away."
And laughing heartily he declared: "And if the planners and Government don't help John Morphet to achieve his goals every penny will still be reinvested back into the island.
"I am not here for the short term. I am a one-man band who loves the island and who loves working here."
He spoke of his respect for the Government and people of Barbados and stated that everything he did with the new resort would be done in a "sympathetic way".
Local access
"We have a good relationship with the Government. Although this is a private golf course, there is access to local people. And all of the Barbadians who have applied have been granted membership. We do a lot of work with the Barbados Golf Association to which we donate $50 000 annually," he added.
But why another golf course - the planned one at Lancaster - on such a small island that already has seven?
"We generate our own players. We sell golfing holidays in both Barbados and the UK. We have 60 000 clients and as part of their membership they can play on either of the golf courses."
In addition, the villas at Royal Westmoreland are widely sought after by a number of sporting personalities including footballers, cricketers and golfers.
Morphet also praised his public relations and marketing team, admitting that much money was spent promoting Royal Westmoreland.
"About $750 000 is spent on public relations and the marketing of Royal Westmoreland throughout the world, to bring visitors to Barbados. We are very active in promoting the island." he explained.
"People who would normally go to Europe on a two-hour flight are happy now coming to Barbados on an eight-hour flight because it is perceived as good value for their money and high-quality holidays."
That is one of the reasons why Royal Westmoreland has managed to maintain high occupancy rates - even during these tough economic times.
"We have gone back to old-fashioned values of getting off our backside and getting out there and working and driving the business. You have to generate the business yourself and that is what I am doing," he said, while declaring that sales of resorts in Britain had picked up from one-a-week to ten-a-week.
He is now in the process of replicating the Royal Westmoreland model in Britain - that is, having a golf course surrounded by town houses.
Who knows? Perhaps this father of five who was named Britain's Entrepreneur Of The Year in 2006 could well be in the running here for being awarded a similar title.
33 comment found!
Investing in Barbados : 6/14/2009
As a Barbadian living abroad, I am happy that money is invested in our island. The island needs every penny it can get, and if Mr. Morphet feels like investing his money there let him. This will generate jobs for the locals, foreign reserves will be boosted as tourist come to the island, and with the sale of the town houses taxes will be generated. We have to look at the big picture, Barbados's main industry is tourism, so what Mr. Morphet proposes will be good for the island. We as locals might not like it, but with the world's economy in shambles we need all the help we can get. If Mr. Morphet follows through with all he says he plans to do then we should be happy as this will benefit the island.
: 6/13/2009
Mr Morphet is lucky that he can talk about "businesses". We'd be very lucky to have a business. I hope these homes that he intends to build doesn't mean that people will be coming here, opening businesses and forcing local people out of business. You've got to look at the wider picture. In England black people cannot open any businesses in the way Mr Morphet speaks. The Polish came here in the last 2 years and have opened shops etc. but caribbean people who have been there for decades are restricted from that form of information and end up working for people like Mr Morphet only to be disrespected and put down. Black people are too frigtened to speak about their situation for fear of losing their jobs so they put up with it. Mr Morphet hasn't talked about doing anything for the locals. As comment No.30 said we're at the bottom of the ladder with no real prospects -Mr Morphet is lucky he doesn't have to sit and figure out how to feed, house and clothe is 5 children which is the main issue at the forefront of our minds. Mr Morphet can sit and think about what to do with his leisure time because he has enough money and time to think about it. Lucky Mr Morphet. I would hate to see this island overrun like Spain and Bulgaria. Think wisely because its impossible to turn back the clock. Money isn't everything - I would rather eat vegetables all day than see Barbados turn into England and how it is today. Its real sad.
Billionaire? : 6/13/2009
Barbados does not need another golf course or more housing/accomodation for wealthy foreigners. Enough is enough already. If "John Morphet" (as he refers to himself) owns and runs a farm in England and if he loves the island as much as he professes to, then he should be able to successfully run a Barbadian plantation, maybe even something innovative. Someone should tell him how impressive and prestigious the title of "Barbados Plantation Owner" sounds.
: 6/12/2009
On his royal throne 11/06/09. you are so right, as a black person living in britain, we are at the bottom of the ladder and our prospects remain bleak, as do the opportunities for our children. No one should ever be fooled into thinking that england is the land of opportunity for everyone its not, LEAST OF ALL IF YOUR BLACK. Your also right regarding golf courses not benifiting your people, as golf is considered a rich mans sport, who the hell has time to go and play golf when they are trying to keep their families fed and a roof over their heads. Another golf course in barbados just means less land for bajans to buy and build homes on, your government needs to put your people first and stop seeing the $ first especially when its only going to benefit the privilaged few.
Just say no : 6/12/2009
Golf is not a substantial contributor to tourism in Barbados, and does not justify the loss of prime agricultural land such as the Lancaster plantation, which should stay in sugar production because it is so close to one of the island's two functioning processing plants. Inland tourism like this not only wastes a huge amount of farmland, but also increases the pressure on our beaches - because the visitors demand exclusive beach facilities as well as monster houses built around golf courses. The same amount of economic benefit (jobs and foreign exchange) can be created with high-rise hotels tastefully built near the beaches (ideally on the land side of the road, to keep the windows to the sea open for all to enjoy). The DLP Government has pledged to protect farmland, and should not allow the Lancaster plantation to be lost. Feedback welcome: bobverdun@rogers.com
On his royal throne : 6/11/2009
planning authority - keep dragging your feet, how do the people of Barbados benefit from a golf course. Golf is for rich people. Why not invest your money into building homes for the poorer people of Barbados - if you respect them so much. How can poor people benefit from a "Golf course". How many poor people play golf ? You're thinking about yourself "pull the other one" - you've always got a hidden Agenda - lay all your cards on the table! some of us are more conscious than you think ! It's laughable, look how much money these people have to spend yet when you talk about reparations for their part in slavery, they don't even want to apologise for fear of having to pay us money - Fed up of your empty words and selfish attitudes !
On his royal throne : 6/11/2009
They're on their way back - to take over. They've messed up Britain and its a bloody mess and now they've decided to go somewhere where money talks and they can be in charge. Turn down his application, you certainly wouldn't get an application to do anything in Britain - they're in charge there and they still got the "Colonial way of thinking". Go to Britain and see how your bros and sistas live, below the poverty line, lowest paid jobs - not even Senior Black Managers in the 21st century. Notice his plans are for his OWN people - its not in the interests of no-one here - These people are MONEYMAKING MACHINES - Thats their God, they think nothing of Black People - Believe me !
: 6/9/2009
Well said JSD
billionaire : 6/9/2009
Sometimes I wonder where the smart bajan people is. They must be in the outside world or in de grave. Call me stupid but I smell ah rat! Unless you see literal "fruit" (not mangoes,tamarind,not dem things but homes,schools etc.)from what he is doing that will benefit barbados, I won't trust he as far as I could throw he. He done been there long enuf for us to see something that is truly for de locals and de island. BUT NOTHING !! nothing to show for de amount ah time he been dey. But you see his agenda, his plans(de golf courses, de houses for de big shots)! that's wha yah could see. my grandmother used to say ,de higher de monkey go, he show he tail. Well de billionaire is showing we he tail. His plans is his own vision. That's why nahbody in it but he. Wha sewer treatment plant or drainage system that he help to build for de people of Barbados? Barbados flooding wid just a drop of rain.All de run off from de lotta building he doing will mek things worst.Barbados like dem turn bewitch. If yah bewitch stan so, cause I can't understand how wunna give people so much power, all in de name of money.
billionaire : 6/9/2009
Almost everybody out there has either bake or buy bread before.One of the ingredients in bread is yeast. Wake up Barbados! A little yeast go all through the bread and it rises. No I'm not talking about actual bread here people. Read between the lines for heaven sake! John Morphet is the YEAST and Barbados is the BREAD. Don't put him in the oven(limit his potential and growth) or else, he would rise up and own Barbados.
billionaire : 6/9/2009
The billionaire at the surface, may come across as helping Barbados and its people but there is never something for nothing .There is always a hidden agenda which in time will reveal his true motives. Don't get me wrong. I'm not knocking him because of his wealth or his investments in Barbados but the Gov't must use wisdom when dealing with people who have the ability to buy the whole of Barbados in a single day. Don't allow money to rob us of common sense. Barbados is one of many tourist destinations and if he genuinely has the best for Barbados at heart, it will eventually show. He came to Barbados on a vacation. Is he now legal? Hope he is or else he and all his dollars will have to leave. Ain't no time to play favorites since no one is above the law.The column mentioned that he has huge plans for Barbados. I'm happy for the moment, that the planning authority is dragging its feet because his plans are for the rich and famous and I haven't read much in the column about what he is specifically doing for local bajans and the island itself.When I read the words"sympathetic way", I couldn't help but think of the meaning of the word itself( A feeling or expression of sorrow for another's distress or loss). In others words, he telling us(bajans) that he is sorry for our loss but will try and build his new resorts in ways that won't cause us to be distress.Really now !!. It doesn't matter money is staying in the island or not. No one knows this for sure because there is no one that he is accountable to. We live in an age of electronic transactions. A click of a button is all it takes! He stated that he is not going anywhere (showing patience in accomplishing his goals)and that he is in Barbados for the long haul. That is all good as long as you do the right thing now that you have been exposed.
Royal on the Throne : 6/8/2009
I thought we became independent so as not to answer to a royal on the throne. It seem that we now have nuff Royals in Barbados. Do you people understand what you are doing. You are selling out the birthright of all bajans.
Nation Jouranlism is poor : 6/8/2009
what does royal throne have to do with anything...and a billion and 1000 000 000. HE is not a billionaire, maybe he might get a little closer when he is finish wit barbados.
I am curious about his idea of "Sympathy Way" for Barbados??? : 6/8/2009
I dont need this man's sympathy! what is he thinking?? Just informally commit to spread business to smaller subcontractors and respect for all of his local empoloyees and put and encourage investment in their personal devlopment education and fair wages if he is making profits or else this is jut a new world modified slave plantation. Dont go pay people BDS$1000.oo a month while he is making 1million. Barbados masses have had that for too long, at the expense of being able to afford good education for thier families while some on top flourish. It is for govt to put guidelines on his and other investors with capital gains taxes with incentives to reinvest them, as oppose to takign it out. As long as this man abides by town and country planning guidlimes with sustainable water recyling measures and sewer treatment and he does not try ot bribe his way for incentives, then bring your money and lets all get to work together, Bajans know good enough what is hard work too, pay some land taxes annually to govt coppers and come.
On his Royal Throne : 6/8/2009
What is wrong with you Bajans. Even the title makes me nauseous. Remember Standford. Bajans are so easily taken in. All somone has to say is how many Billions they have and we give them the keys to the islands. When are we going to have a moratorium on Foreign Investors, new hotels, villas , condos, and Golf Courses. How many golf coursed do we need. Do you realive how much water it takes to keep those " greens" green. What about swiming pools. Wake up bajans. You have to delve deeper than whats on the service. I guess i will have to forget about retiring in Barbados, i dont think it will be a barbados that i want to live in
billionaire : 6/8/2009
Regardless of what this man appears to be doing for Barbados, I do not embrace him. Reason being is that he is accountable to no one but himself. That alone is cause for concern.
kudos : 6/8/2009
ther will be nuff people who will comment negatively. wunna remeber that tourism is the lifeline of our existance. ANY investment in it is welcomed; as long as this fella is working with gov't to make sure everything is kosher,access etc. i have no problem - do ya ting buddy & wen ya done go by cheffette & get ya self a roti bajan canadian
billionaire : 6/8/2009
Well the billionaire has a lot of plans ! No man is an island. When you are accountable to no one but yourself, that is dangerous because you are always right in your own eyes. There should always be accountability but I guess when one has money, he doesn't have to answer to know one but himself. Thanks for giving bajans access but how many of them play golf? cricket yes,but golf no.Golf therefore, is for the wealthy people that you will be marketing Barbados to on your one man band. Have you consider opening up a Hospital, a recreation center,fire station,library,etc? Practical things that will benefit the local people of Barbados. I can't see how they will benefit from golf courses. since you like to farm,put some of the money towards a farmers market. Help the local farmers. Put your money to good use and stop with the golf courses. You need a hospital so if the people tumble down in the hot broiling sun ,they will have one to go to instead of having to run from St.James to QEH. How about helping the widows,orphans and the poor? It is written ,God gives man the ability to obtain wealth. Now use the wealth wisely so that the real King who is on his royal throne won't have to dethrone you. Remember, it is He that takes one up and bring one down.
On His Royal Throne : 6/8/2009
I like the work you are doing in Barbados you are also offering work opportunities to Barbadians. I live in USA and I was very impress on a recent visit to Barbados. It is good that the profits for you business is been reinvested back into the island.It is good the amount of money invested into public relations that is a major problem in Barbados. Can you seriously think about contributing towards the upgrading of health care on the island?
times newspaper of london : 6/7/2009
I checked the timesonline.co.uk... the nation needs to do it's research. while this man is in the business of building leisure establishments across the caribbean and has done very well.. he is not a billionaire the british rich list has his fortune as 95 million pounds. do a google search and you'll be directed to the site which is reputable. I'm happy he wants to invest but Nation newspaper, please do your research....
Kudos to John for his contribution to Bim. : 6/7/2009
Good work so far man. I tip my hat for the positive you've been trying to do so far in Bim. Everything is give and take and it sounds like you've taken the time to do the minimum of a 50-50 relationship here.
Whos Nation : 6/7/2009
I hope the nation was paid for this advertorial. I do events in Barbados a whole lot and most of them nonprofit and I cannot even get the nation to cover these events let a long give a full page to market them...this is a add. It is an appeal by a wealthy man for approvals from the gov. I would like to know how much was paid for this advertisement. As a matter of fact my business (small one that is) was hit by a local sceme and i telphoned the nation to inform them so that the people can know about the scam and they brushed it off...we are watching...
Not Impressed. : 6/7/2009
Donating $50,000 a year to golf course maintenance doesnt impress me when you claim your donation for a tax break. This second golf course is a mistake. It is creating an old boys club of bim and no ole bajan boys access. Barbados is 166sq miles. Limestone based beauty. Lets no sell the soul to the entreprenuer of the year and increase the gap of maintaining and extending wealth in a depression oops... recession.
REMEMBER!! : 6/7/2009
Remember the Native American Remember the invaders Remember America today Remember the extinction of said Native Americans... Or do we not know the history?
on his royal throne : 6/7/2009
Another golf course , Give me a break Barbados does not need another one
Beware! : 6/7/2009
This bright investor brought this property FIVE years ago. Did he pay at the higher tax rate charged to outsiders or did he bargain for a tax holiday or some other incentices. Are tax holidays still given? Will he be here after ten years or will he have to pawn our milk teeth to buy it back at his price when he decides to go? Retired Civil Servant.
: 6/7/2009
i AM 57 AND I DONT LOOK SO OLD. HE NEED TO GO BASK IN DE SUN, EAT SOME FISH MELTS AND LET SOME PEOPLE GET WORK.
On his Royal Throne : 6/7/2009
Mr John Morphet you are simply great for Barbados and wise Barbadians will acknowledge this and welcome you with open arms ..... Your detractors may yet learn that you have the last word. B.T.P.S.
On His Roral Throne : 6/7/2009
It is so sad that we Bajans who pride ourselves on being so learend would allow these speculators rom wherever they come take advantage of this little Island and threat it like a prostitute around the Garrison. Where is the Government in all of this. Cant we see that this man is a pimp, Taking us for granted to further his empire. This stupidness about Loving Barbados, its Government and people is just what a pig farmer says about his pigs. It is the profits that is being made you stupid Goverment officials and the Barbadian Public. Please wake-up. I think it is too late to stop the Island from being re-colonised. Young Barbadians please put a stop to this foolishness before your future is fully extinguished, It is almost there. You need to stop falling prey to the distractions and start thinking about your future and the future of your children on the Island. This man and his clients have the resources to live anywhere they want, you only have Barbados. Please start demonstrating and let these people and your Government know this foolishness is no longer acceptable to you. Good Luck!!!!!!!
Success story : 6/7/2009
Well said Johm Moephet. Well done too. Although I have to agree with you that the Planning Dept takes a bit long with approvals, but yours is by no stretch of the immagination a small venture. Barbados might have had other plans for the piece of rock you want to own which will undoubtedly be inherited by your offspring. So understand it HAS to be analyzed carefully. Things like future development of roads and of course our biggest problem of drainage also has to be considered Mr Morphet. Noting that you are a hands on person and like to be fully involved,does this negate job opportunities for some. What about continuous training and or career development opportunities for staff, or will this be a fully run family business denying locals top positions. I'd like to know the size of your staff, and the ratio of locals to non nationals; that your state contributions NIS, PAYE AND VAT are current. DUMB
On his royal throne : 6/7/2009
There is no mention of the employment of locals in the real jobs or is this workaholic going to be a one man administrative office? Bajans want to join in the band so we can hear the sound of music in our pockets as well, we dont want to be just stage hands we want to be musicians. Nice that we have local access this is not enough we want to be employed in all levels of the business On the business of town planners nice to see they give equally sluggish treatment to the super rich as they do to poor folks just stand in line.
lancaster golf course : 6/7/2009
I hope the town and country planing turn down this golf course application.this is not in the interest of Barbados at this time.The reason he gave is rediculous.If every developer want a golf course for those reasons barbados will have no land left for its people or for agriculture.Tis is good agriculture land and he can invest in keeping it that way if he loves Barbados.The hotel is ok but the golf course no way.
On his Royal Throne : 6/7/2009
I have a letter from the National Housing Corp, stating that I was on the list to purchas one of the houses that they were to construct at Lancaster. I am hoping that this is not the land they were to acquire to build these houses. Could some one in authority there please respond and let me know. I am a poor Barbadian just looking for a home on a small plot to live. Minister Lashley could you enlighten me Please.
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