By John Denny

Observer Reporter

(Charlestown, Nevis) – It was no surprise to any of the employees of the Four Seasons Resort Nevis when they were handed their walking papers. Unconfirmed reports put the number of employees sent packing at over 600.

Managers and some employees are being kept on to work in the areas of engineering, villa services, security, finance and housekeeping.

“We have all been waiting for this since around Christmas,” said an ex-Four Seasons employee. “I’m not happy about it, but I have been preparing for it. I’m glad I got to work as long as I did. They could have sent us home a long time ago, because there wasn’t that much to do. I wish they would have started rebuilding right after the hurricane, instead of them fighting over this insurance deal. It could have been that much closer to opening, but now, who knows how long it will be.”

Sources indicate the workers were given two weeks pay as a severance and they have also been promised another US$1,000. After 12 weeks of termination, the unemployed workers will be eligible for compensation from the government.

"We are working closely with the government, the company and the ownership to resolves issues as soon as possible to minimize the impact on our staff and the local community," said Andrew Humphries, Regional Vice President and General Manager, Four Seasons Resort Nevis. "This is a very difficult period for the resort, its employees and the island, and we appreciate your patience and compassion for all those affected by these unfortunate times.”

Nevis Premier, the Hon. Joseph Parry issued a statement later that day regarding the employee dismissals. Although it was not an easy address for the Premier, he had foretold of the employees being let go in the first week of December, during his budget address.

“I felt it was very necessary that I tell the people of Nevis about the layoff because it was important to do so. The employees needed to be in a position where they can prepare themselves for the lay off. Employees of Four Seasons have obligations to their children, business places, and the bank. Therefore, time was needed to plan and prepare,” said the Premier. “It should not be a shock to us, as the island has been prepared and was informed about this situation some months ago.”

The Premier asked that everyone keep a positive attitude in these troubled times, that all Nevisians should reach out to one another and that there were some employment opportunities at Brown Hill Communications, Nelson Spring Villas and the newly opened Marshalls Restaurant, which also plans to have a small hotel with about 50 rooms later this year

“Let all of us as Nevisians reach out to one another and make sure that we will each be our neighbor’s keeper. Let us also hope that the Four Seasons Resort will be opened by Christmas and things will continue in Nevis as we wish them to be,” he said.