NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Chester Cooper said he welcomes the multi-million dollar renovation efforts underway at Sandals Emerald Bay, Exuma; he noted that the temporary closure of the resort will make way for its transition into a Beaches by Sandals, family-friendly resort.

He made this revelation during a sideline interview at the Airports Conference of the Americas on Monday morning.

It was announced last week that the Emerald Bay property would be closing its doors in mid-August for six to eight months for a multimillion dollar transformation.

Cooper acknowledged that the temporary closure of Sandals Emerald Bay, will be a period of “temporary uncertainty,” but he said he remains “cautiously optimistic.”