The History of Jolly Harbour

Jolly Harbour, located on the southwest coast of Antigua, has transformed from a natural mangrove wetland into one of the Caribbean's largest man-made marinas and residential communities. This page chronicles its rich history and development over the years.

Early History (Pre-1980s)

Before its development, Jolly Harbour was a natural mangrove salt pond area characterized by:

• Extensive mangrove wetlands and natural marine habitat
• A popular wild duck hunting location in winter months
• Traditional fishing grounds for local communities
• Part of the historic sugar plantation landscape of Antigua
• Natural hurricane shelter for small vessels

Development Era (1980s-1990s)

Vision and Initial Development

The transformation of Jolly Harbour was initiated by Swiss hotel tycoon Dr. Alfred Erhart, who owned the adjacent Jolly Beach Hotel. His initial motivation was to address the mosquito problem affecting his hotel guests, but the vision evolved into creating the largest marina in the Eastern Caribbean.

Major Development Phase

The project, with an estimated investment of US $400 million, included:

• Extensive dredging and reclamation of the mangrove swamp
• Creation of the marina basin and channels
• Construction of the commercial center with shops, bars, and restaurants
• Development of residential villa communities
• Construction of an 18-hole golf course
• Building of a casino (later abandoned)
• Installation of essential infrastructure (roads, utilities, etc.)

Early Challenges

The development faced several initial challenges:

• Skepticism about hurricane resistance of the structures
• Slow villa sales in the early years (waterfront villas initially priced at US $140,000)
• Environmental concerns about the transformation of natural wetlands
• Significant infrastructure investment requirements

Corporate History

The development and management of Jolly Harbour has been overseen by several corporate entities over the years:

Caribbean Developments (Antigua) Limited

Caribbean Developments (Antigua) Limited (CDAL) was incorporated on March 14, 1960, under Antigua and Barbuda law. As the primary development company, CDAL has been responsible for:

• Real estate and property development
• Property management
• Development of villas and land parcels
• Management of the commercial centre and golf course

Corporate Ownership Timeline

• 1960-2005: CDAL operated as a subsidiary of Jolly Harbour AG (JHAG), incorporated in Liechtenstein
• 2005: JHAG was acquired by Mirror View Holdings, Inc. (BVI), subsidiary of La Perla Living Corporation Limited (Gibraltar)
• 2006: Ownership transferred to Geert Duizendstraal
• 2007: JHAG shares sold to Living Real Estate, B.V.
• 2007: Marina operations transferred to East Caribbean Marina Boatyard (ECMB)
• 2021: Sabana Holdings (Robert Gillespie) acquires Jolly Harbour Marina and Boatyard
• 2024: Sabana Holdings acquires Caribbean Developments (Antigua) Limited (CDAL)

Recent Corporate Developments

The acquisition of CDAL by Sabana Holdings in 2024, led by Robert Gillespie (founder of gaming firm Bodog and Jolly Harbour homeowner), marks a significant new chapter in Jolly Harbour's development. This follows several years of legal challenges and corporate transitions:

Legal and Corporate Milestones

• 2011-2024: Lockhart v. CDAL legal battle involving:
  • US$6 million damages claim
  • Golf course ownership dispute
  • Corporate governance challenges
• 2020: Non-Binding Letter of Intent for CDAL sale, valuing assets at US$29.35 million
• 2022: Reserve Advisors Study revealing significant infrastructure maintenance backlog
• 2023: Orange Limited v. Sabana Holdings case regarding financial calculations and working capital
• 2024: Acquisition and consolidation by Sabana Holdings

Planned Improvements Under New Ownership

• Construction of additional residential properties
• Rejuvenation of the commercial centre
• Golf course upgrades and improvements
• Community engagement initiatives including town hall meetings
• Restoration of the area's charisma and charm

Infrastructure and Management

Throughout its history, CDAL has maintained ownership of Jolly Harbour's core infrastructure, including roads, seawalls, and utilities. The company has faced various challenges regarding infrastructure maintenance and property owner relations, particularly concerning:

• Infrastructure maintenance and funding responsibilities
• Property owner rights and obligations
• Community charge structures and calculations
• Corporate governance and transparency

This follows Sabana Holdings' earlier acquisition of the Jolly Harbour Marina and Boatyard in May 2021, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to revitalizing the entire development. The new ownership structure aims to address historical challenges while implementing a sustainable development plan for the future.

Modern Times (2000-Present)

Today, Jolly Harbour has evolved into:

• One of Antigua's largest residential communities and tourism hubs
• Home to more than 800 property owners
• A major tourist destination and yachting center in Saint Mary Parish
• A comprehensive resort community featuring:
• Full-service marina with boatyard facilities
• 18-hole golf course
• Commercial center with shops and amenities
• Sports and recreational facilities
• Private holiday rental properties
• A popular winter residence destination with gated security

Current Developments

Under the new ownership of Sabana Holdings, planned improvements include:

• Major regeneration of the gated community area
• Comprehensive commercial centre revitalization
• Golf course renovation and upgrades
• New residential development projects
• Community-driven transformation initiatives

Historical Timeline

Historical Sources & References

This historical account has been compiled from various sources including:

• Antigua and Barbuda National Archives
• Historical records and documents
• Local historical accounts and testimonies
• Development company records
• Environmental impact studies and surveys