TIMC's Chief Communications Officer, Ms. Jeanne Labbé, had the privilege of meeting with Mr. Rob Barrett, Chairman of Elite Island Resorts group. It is my pleasure to share with you today this interview on a beautiful real estate project developed by a major contributor to tourism in the Eastern Caribbean for the past 30 years.
Ms. Jeanne Labbé:
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today Mr. Barrett. As part of our holistic approach to preserve our clients’ wealth and family’s future, we are delighted to introduce them to Verandah Estates, a high quality real estate development, allowing them to obtain Antigua and Barbuda passport and citizenship for their family when buying an approved real estate property.
With this interview, I would like to ensure our international high net-worth customers of the high quality of this project. I would also like our customers to get to know you, the developer, who holds a vast experience in the Caribbean hospitality and tourism.
Ms. Labbé:
You grew up in California; what led you to Antigua?
Mr. Barrett:
I emerged from humble beginnings, growing up in a small oil industry town in California, USA.
As an entrepreneurial teenager in the 1950s, I started a successful landscaping company with my father. I have always had an ability to create lush and colorful scenery, as shown today through my popular Caribbean resort properties.
In the early 1960s, with only a few dollars in my pocket, I boarded a plane for the Caribbean and never looked back.
Ms. Labbé:
What inspired you to develop several real estate projects in the Caribbean and more specifically in Antigua?
Mr. Barrett:
I started off as a hotel beach boy, then on to gardener, night auditor, and general manager—therefore learning every aspect of resort operations.
In 1986, after creating and selling a highly successful New York-based travel company, I purchased and expanded Pineapple Beach Club, my first resort property in Antigua. My love for the island and its people grew, and I soon made Antigua my home.
The Caribbean is my pride and joy. It is an honor and privilege to live and work in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
My focus throughout the years has been to share the beauty and warmth of the Caribbean with hundreds of thousands of guests from around the world.
Ms. Labbé:
Can you tell us more about Elite Island Resorts?
Mr. Barrett:
Elite Island Resorts owns and/or manages a group of hotels, which includes:
- The Verandah Resort & Spa, Antigua
- St. James’s Club & Villas, Antigua
- Galley Bay, Antigua
- Pineapple Beach Club, Antigua
- Jolly Beach Resort, Antigua
- St. James’ Club Morgan Bay, St. Lucia
- The Club, Barbados Resort & Spa
- Long Bay Beach Club, Tortola BVI
- Los Establos Boutique Hotel, Panama
I am also the developer of Verandah Estates, a gated community of custom homes adjacent to The Verandah Resort & Spa, Pineapple Beach Club and soon The Nest at Verandah.
Ms. Labbé:
Can you tell me about Verandah Estates and why you decided to do this project?
Mr. Barrett:
Verandah Estates is a 25-acre premier residential gated community, comprised of approximately 70 lots, of which more than half are now sold.
More and more middle and upper-middle class individuals are living and working in Antigua – for example: hotel General Managers, expat chefs, bank and utility company executives. There is a lack of housing for these individuals and their families and Verandah Estates has become the community of choice.
When a Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) investor purchases a property at Verandah Estates, they get full freehold title to the land and villa. In addition, they have the option to include their property in our rental program whereby we find a long-term tenant.
Ms. Labbé:
What makes Verandah Estates a sound investment?
Mr. Barrett:
Antigua boasts of a stable real estate market. We don’t see the great spikes in value that some larger economies experience but land prices also rarely drop in value. In general, Antigua property is a safe investment.
What differentiates Verandah Estates, however, is that the investor will have full freehold title of the land and villa; therefore, selling the property after the five-year holding period should be easier.
In addition, Verandah Estates is located next to Long Beach (arguably Antigua’s best), Devil’s Bridge national park, and two of Antigua’s best hotels (Verandah Resort & Spa and Pineapple Beach Club). That gives community residents access to restaurants, bars, workout facilities, and other amenities.
Ms. Labbé:
How do Antigua and your investors benefit from all of your activities?
Mr. Barrett:
My companies provide thousands of jobs along with substantial opportunities for collateral industries and service providers.
I am also very involved with many charities, and I have an interest in starting and fostering the careers of countless hospitality employees and executives.
Investors in my projects benefit from the economies of scale and buying power generated by my group of companies. This decreases the cost of development and operation and increases the return on investment.
Ms. Jeanne Labbé:
Thank you very much, Mr. Barrett, for sharing with us your great and successful experience in Antigua Real Estate industry.
