substantial healthcare component. Of the 270,000 square feet, nearly half—approximately 130,000 square feet—will be dedicated to healthcare facilities.“We’re starting with an urgent care center already under construction,” Oran explains, “and we expect to add a tertiary care facility, which will be the last two buildings, set to begin later this year.” With a completion date targeted for January 2026, the healthcare facilities will address a critical gap on the island. BUILDING THROUGH CHALLENGES: LABOR, SUPPLY CHAIN, AND TIMELY EXECUTION For any significant development project, labor and supply chain concerns loom large— particularly in a post-pandemic world. But as Oran explains, Sheraton Mall’s latest venture, W Plaza (wplazawelches.com), has managed to sidestep many challenges plaguing construction projects globally. Through local expertise, careful planning, and fortuitous timing, the project has remained on course despite the obstacles. “In terms of labor and technical resources, everything has been local,” he says confidently. With its $80 million price tag, W Plaza is a significant regional undertaking and a local triumph. “All of our consultants—engineers, architects, project managers—have been from local professional companies that do an amazing job.” And while the contractor is based in Barbados, the workforce has been drawn from across the Caribbean. “I can’t say they’re all Bajans,” Oran clarifies, “but certainly they’re from the region.” The movement of skilled labor between the islands has been essential in maintaining the momentum of the build. Supply chain issues, however, have been a constant concern throughout. “Coming out of COVID, the supply chain has been an ongoing concern. It’s gotten better, but it’s still there,” Oran notes. The project has had to deal with delays in sourcing key materials—particularly electrical components and structural steel—most of which had to be ordered from outside Barbados. Yet the team was proactive, Sheraton Mall food court featuring international and local cuisines from over 15 restaurants 8 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 11, ISSUE 11
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