18/10/2023
**PRESS RELEASE**
As the proprietors of Champagne Reef Dive & Snorkel, we would like to add some clarity to the ongoing situation at Champagne Reef by making the following statement.
The government announced plans last week (Oct 12) to build a “facility” at Champagne Beach.
Over the last few days, we have been inundated with so many calls and messages with questions and concerns regarding the Government’s intentions.
We would like to make it very clear that we are in no way associated with these Government plans and the proposed facility.
As it stands, we have no idea why or where this government facility is to be built at Champagne.
We can only speak of our project on our private property and not of that of Government of Dominica.
Anyone seeking more information should reach out to the Ministry of Tourism or Finance directly.
Since the passing of hurricane Maria, we have reached out to the Government several times for a collaborative effort to rehabilitate the site.
To date we have received no response from the Ministry of Tourism and more recently the Ministry of Finance.
After this setback and a few other challenges we decided to go it alone and were finally able to announce our plans publicly earlier this year.
The positive response received from the public, our business partners, cruise lines and other well-wishers was overwhelming.
We are currently fully engaged in seeing our plans through.
Champagne Reef Dive & Snorkel has shared the company’s plans in detailed proposals with all the relevant Government departments and ministries including the Office of the Prime `Minister, Ministries of Tourism; Public works; Finance; and Discover Dominica.
Our plans also include a public facility and public access to the beach.
Our company Champagne Reef Dive & Snorkel was severely impacted by Hurricane Maria and is currently in the process of resuming operations.
Over the years and working tirelessly, Champagne Reef Dive and Snorkel developed the site, hosting over 300 hundred cruise and stay over visitors per cruise day.
Our business family consisted of 11 fulltime employees (up to 18 at peak season) and we created a full host of opportunities for tour operators, guides and taxi drivers.
Over the years we trained over 40 individuals to the industry standard level of Advanced Diver and PADI Divemaster and 6 to the level of Scuba instructor including Dominica’s first ever female instructor.
Most of these now qualified individuals are currently employed in the dive industry here in Dominica and further afield.
Every year as part of Dive Fest we gave back to the community by introducing countless local children and adults to the amazing underwater world through guided snorkel trips, Discover Scuba and the ever-popular Kid’s Snorkel Treasure Hunt.
We will continue to work with the same passion and sound eco practises for the site and Dominica, that have contributed to making Champagne Reef a household name both locally and internationally.
