A large gathering representing the 500-odd employees, at Viceroy Anguilla, referred to as “colleagues”, and a number of Executive Committee members, were at a mass staff party on Friday, December 18, to bid farewell to outgoing General Manager, Mr. Richard Alexander.
The event for the well-respected and inspiring British national, who spent four years at Viceroy Anguilla, accompanied by his wife and children, was held at his seaside residence on the property. There, over an abundance of food and refreshment, he was the recipient of much praise for his leadership and impact on Viceroy and all who work there.
Many persons, representing the various departments of the resort, led by Ms. Dorla Hodge, Director of Human Resources, paid tribute to Mr. Alexander. “We are here not to say farewell to Richard, but to celebrate him,” she said. “He has been with us for four years and I think that, in an environment, such like this, you become family…Last season was not an easy one for any of us, but Richard led us through that. So Richard, on behalf of the property, and myself, I want to say thank you for your leadership over the past four years, but especially during the last season…I know it is not an easy time for you and your family because your children have grown up amongst us. It is home for you and your family, but we want you to tell them – on behalf of us – thank you very much because you couldn’t have done it without their support.”
Mr. Seymour Hodge who has been the Anguilla Government’s Liaison Officer for Viceroy, since its inception, was among those who spoke to Mr. Alexander.
“You have helped me in terms of my role with Government, Viceroy and the community,” Mr. Hodge said in part. “On behalf of the Government of Anguilla, we would like to thank you for what you have done for the island, and everyone in the community, especially because that is what I looked forward to – helping the community and the colleagues. I know that you will go on to do better things and we will always miss you.”
Replying, Mr. Alexander said: “I am very touched by everything I heard today. Thank you very much. I am sorry my family is not here. They wanted to be here, but even the strongest women are very sensitive creatures and my wife is very emotional; and children are even more sensitive creatures…and so there are a lot of tears in the Alexander household at the moment.” He thanked everyone for touching the lives of his family and making them feel at home in Anguilla. “It has been their home and the formative years for my children.”
He and his family left Anguilla on Tuesday, December 22, to be guests at Viceroy in Greater New York before proceeding to the United Kingdom.
