National Park Invites Bidders To Take Over Caneel Bay

ST. JOHN, USVI — The National Park Service will invite outside bidders to take over the Caneel Bay Resort lease. Currently, CBI Acquisitions operates the resort, although it has been shuttered since Irma and Maria. CBI has held the lease and operated the resort since 2004.

The Park Service released the following statement on Tuesday, July 27, "The National Park Service (NPS) today announced its decision to employ a competitive lease strategy to redevelop Caneel Bay at Virgin Islands National Park. The NPS aims to solicit qualified applicants for the long-term partnership needed to successfully manage hotel accommodations at Caneel Bay while protecting natural and cultural resources."

While few details were shared, the fact that the Park Service is inviting outside bidders indicates that CBI Acquisitions may be on their way out.

The Park Service is specifically looking for someone to redevelop the property, which was heavily damaged in the storms and has sustained further damage from neglect. The announcement comes after the Park Service held a 45-day public comment period after releasing environmental reports on the property. St. John residents did not hold back, voicing concern over the future of the property and specifically calling for input from ancestral Virgin Islanders.

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