World Leaders Attending the Opening Conference at RLJ Kendeja Resort & Villas (left to right)
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, a Harvard-trained economist, has taken steps to build support from international donors, and encourage private investment. An example of private investment is the Liberia Initiative by the RLJ Companies. An upscale hotel on the beach in Monrovia - the RLJ Kendeja Resort & Villas - is a design-build project by Global Building Solutions, of South Carolina, a company with broad international experience, with building projects in Dominica, Antigua, Gabon, and the United States.
The RLJ Companies, founded by Robert L. Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television, is a diverse portfolio of companies in the financial services, real estate, hospitality, professional sports, film production, automotive and gaming industries. An innovative business network, The RLJ Companies seeks to target undiscovered or underserved markets; then exercise solid management to achieve results.
The RLJ Liberia Initiative is a multifaceted effort intended to mobilize American support, and especially that of African Americans, for the Government of Liberia’s national reconstruction program. The initiative consists of the RLJ Liberia Enterprise Development Fund, a $30 million fund designed to aid entrepreneurs on behalf of Liberia.
Overview of the Project As part of a $30 million investment initiative spearheaded by Charlotte Bobcats owner and BET founder Robert L. Johnson and involving a delegation of African American businesspeople, the RLJ Liberia Initiative, a development fund under RLJ Cos., announced an agreement with the government of Liberia to build a villa-style, four-star hotel in Monrovia. Global Building Solutions, LLC, a South Carolina based firm, was chosen to design, supply and build this hotel property. The site was developed by GBS in association with BU Corp, Gramling Brothers Real Estate & Development, and the Fulbright Partnership.
Staffing and Operations GBS-Liberia GBS-Liberia is headquartered in Monrovia. The company currently has a construction management team, field supervisors, and equipment permanently in country, finalizing the hotel, as well as developing dozens of widely-varied future projects. In addition the company has developed a domestic labor force for construction of its projects - this number represents hundreds of Liberian workers.
The RLJ Kendeja Resort & Villas is seen by the Board of Directors of GBS-Liberia as the first step in a long term commitment to the redevelopment of the nation of Liberia.
Having completed the hotel construction project successfully, GBS-Liberia is now very well situated to complete the variety of infrastructure, school and housing projects needed to assist other interested investors, and the government of Liberia. A major part of this effort will be the opening of a manufacturing facility in country, which will deliver both jobs for Liberians, and a diversified manufacturing base for the company.
Click above to enlarge views of initial site sketches and project underway
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History of the Initiative)
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