By Steve Thomas Observer Nevis Editor
(Nevis) – Four Seasons Resort Nevis has announced it will be closed for repair until Dec. 31, 2008, due to impacts resulting from Hurricane Omar. A company spokesperson said that all of the resort’s workers remain on the job, though the status of hiring some temporary staff for the holiday season remains unclear. The head of Four Season Resort Nevis praised the company’s employees for their contributions to the recovery. “We are grateful that our staff, visitors and residents of the island remained unharmed during the storm,” said Andrew Humphries, Regional Vice President and General Manager, Four Seasons Resort Nevis.” “We are especially appreciative of our hardworking staff whose teamwork contributed to the clean-up activity and to all of the members of the island community and tourism partners who have reached out to offer their generous support and assistance.” “Everyone is back to work and fully employed,” said company spokesperson Tara MacIntyre. “There have been no layoffs.” Many residents of the Villas at Four Seasons are planning to return in the coming weeks and the resort is helping to provide basic provisions to their homes, Ms. MacIntyre said. Although the resort will not have all the amenities ready when they come back, the staff will do all they can to make them comfortable, she said. “The villa community will still be a vibrant place,” she said. Hurricane Omar brushed the Federation in the early morning hours of Oct. 16. Numerous homes, businesses and boats were damaged or destroyed during the storm. The status of the re-opening of Four Seasons, a major employer on Nevis, has been the focus of much attention on the island. In a statement, Four Seasons also announced, “Guests with reservations for this time period and inquiries regarding re-bookings are asked to call the Four Seasons Toll-free Reservations line at 1 (800) 332-3442.” A special notice on the Resort’s home page includes a status report on the Resort’s temporary closure and contact information for travelers seeking assistance and information.” Please visit http://www.fourseasons.com/nevis” Four Seasons Nevis opened in 1991 and has dealt with weather-related problems in the past while enjoying some business highlights. Here is a look at some of those moments, as supplied by Ms. MacIntyre: 1989:” Paradise Found:” Nevis” beguiling charms lure the Four Seasons to its shores.” Four Seasons sets up the Resort’s pre-opening office in Nevis” capital, Charlestown, and hires its first employee, Fay Walters.” While Fay was pursuing collegiate studies on St. Kitts, her mother was keeping her eye open for jobs on Nevis. When Four Seasons offered Fay a post, she said, “I will consider it.”” She also had an offer from the Bank of Nevis. 1991:” Grand Opening: It was a ‘sweet” moment on Valentine’s Day in 1991 when Four Seasons Resort Nevis opened its doors on the site of a former sugar and coconut plantation along a prime stretch of Pinney’s Beach.” The Nevis property with its Robert Trent Jones II golf course launches to international fanfare and becomes the second destination resort, following Maui on Hawaii, to join the Four Seasons portfolio, bringing the total number of hotels under management to 23. 1992:” The Crowned Jewel of the Caribbean:” Following the Island’s own title crown as” “Queen of the Caribees,” Four Seasons follows suite as the Resort becomes the first hotel in the Caribbean to receive the AAA Five Diamond Award. 1995:” An International Hit:” Four Seasons Resort Nevis garners recognition beyond the shores of the Caribbean.” The Resort is named #1 Resort in the World by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler! 1999:” Crisis Communications: Hurricane Lenny hits Nevis and the Resort, forcing a closure for renovations on November 16, 1999. The island pulls together to protect the safety and well being of tourists and each other. 2000:” Traveling Abroad: The Resort relocates more than 40 management staff to work and train at other Four Seasons properties abroad.”” Mac kee France from the Sports division heads to one of Four Seasons” pioneering golf resorts in Dallas, where he meets golf great Tiger Woods on the treadmill at the Resort’s Fitness Centre. Other employees travel to Toronto, New York, London, Maui, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, etc. 2000:” Re-Build it and they will come: The Resort re-opened its doors to guests on November 19, 2000 and travelers make their way back to Nevis.
