The Government of Anguilla has reopened dialogue with the developers of the Savannah Bay Resort and Marina Village after more than a year of silence.
Planning minister Kyle Hodge said he has now spoken to both of the principals of the $150 million project – the first major development slated for the east coast of the island.
In previous government press conferences he had made it clear he and his ministry had been unsuccessful in making contact with Phil McCabe or Kevin Stoneburner.
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But during this week’s press conference, on 10 November, he said, since last speaking on the matter, one of the principals had contacted him on WhatsApp, while the other reached out by email.
“We had a really good conversation. It’s unfortunate that we didn’t have the conversation earlier, but the fact of the matter is that we are now in direct contact,” Hodge said.
“And what’s next for us is for us to meet via Zoom in the first instance, and they’re going to set up a meeting in person.”
Investment partners
The minister said the developers are seeking investment partners and have already attracted interest from at least two “globally recognised” hotel chains for the project, but are keen to hear from others.
“Now that we have exchanged contact, we will do our best to follow up with each other, because we’re here for support – we’re here to see that project come to life and as soon as soon as it possibly can,” he said.
In response to a media question, Hodge said there is a deadline for the build to begin – which the developer “should be aware of” – however, he did not specify what it was.
He said a hurricane earlier this year which struck Florida, where they reside and operate various businesses, may have set them back.
“I don’t want to come to any judgement as to why we have not gotten in touch with them sooner,” he said, adding: “I’m quite happy that we have finally made contact.
“The blame thing, I’m not interested in. I think we need now to just look forward and try to wrap this up as best as possible.”
Resort and marina
The developers of the Savannah Bay Resort and Marina Village – Phil McCabe and Kevin Stoneburner – published a masterplan for the 215-acre site in February 2022.
It included a marina, port facility, two hotels, villas, condominiums, commercial and retail buildings, roadways, parking, a beach club, a yacht club, planting, a pavilion and a promenade.
Just under two years later, in January 2024, they signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Anguilla outlining the terms and intentions for the resort and marina build.
At the time, then premier Ellis Webster said it was the “perfect opportunity to develop the east part of Anguilla as it should be” and said the developers “have the community at heart”.
McCabe said a start date was not set but the whole project was anticipated to take 10 to 15 years to complete.
The masterplan of the Savannah Bay Resort and Marina Village as well as a video tour and images can be viewed on the development website here.
Social project
In June 2023, then premier Ellis Webster said the developers would soon be making “a commitment in writing up to the tune of US$2 million” for a boardwalk as their social contribution to the island.
During a radio interview in November of that year, Webster said the development in Island Harbour would include shops, areas for arts and crafts and restaurants.
The signing of the memorandum of understanding with the government in January 2024 saw the developers officially commit to the social development project.
At the time, developer Phil McCabe said the boardwalk will “improve Island Harbour as a venue, as a destination” for the residents, and added that they had been gathering local opinions on the design.
In January this year, the government released a video rendering of the planned boardwalk and said construction was expected to begin “in the coming months”, however work has not yet begun.
Anguilla Focus has reached out to the planning minister for an update on the boardwalk build.
Watch the MOU signing in full below:
