General Manager, Mr. Kapil Sharma, along with the staff and management team of the Malliouhana Auberge Resort, came together in a jovial atmosphere at the Flavours Restaurant on Wednesday night, September 4th, to celebrate another successful year.
The day before, the hotel had closed for its annual break following the 2018-2019 tourism season. The dinner party on Wednesday night, therefore, marked a time of reflection, thanksgiving and celebration, where the staff was able unwind, receive recognition for its exceptional hospitable service, savour a sumptuous meal, and “dance and make merry”.
The Anguillian was on hand and spoke with General Manager Mr. Sharma, who said: “For the past nine months, while I have been managing this hotel, I must say I have been more impressed with the spirit of the staff even more than the hotel’s operations.
“I understand the devastation that many of the workers went through as a result of Hurricane Irma — still I can attribute the successes of our operations to the strength of our people. The staff and management possess a passion for work in the hospitality field. The high standard of service that they have rendered to our customers indicates the passion and spirit of the courteous people of Anguilla.
“Even though we had a slow start after Irma — as the last hotel coming out of the gate — it is our staff that has played the greater role in enabling us to be where we are today. Now we are refining all of our programmes and activities and maximizing on the product to make sure that Malliouhana becomes a unique product on the island.
“Our staff is by far the most humble and friendliest people around. We are proud of them and we want to make them happy. We are a small, organic, local hotel, and we embrace that. We were proud to celebrate with our people on Anguilla Day past. We do work with the local boat-builders and support boat racing as the national sport, and we are proud to have our logo on the sails of Light and Peace. Malliouhana is proud to be a part of the history, heritage and future of Anguilla.”
Mr. Sharma, who is a native of The Bahamas, which has been severely impacted by the devastating Hurricane Dorian, said, with regard to how he feels about the tragedy on the Abaco Island and Grand Bahama: “My heart goes out to the people of my country. I am a born and bred Bahamian. I have had the foundation of my schooling and education there.
“I have worked there for many years and my parents are there. It is home to me. My thoughts and prayers are with all my people who have been affected. We will be working with the Premier and Government officials here, as well as the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association, to see what we can do in coming together to support the overall relief effort.”
Mr. Jose Vanterpool, who is the First Nominated Member in the Anguilla House of Assembly, is also the IT Manager at Malliouhana Auberge. When asked to comment on the hotel’s operations, he said: “The year has had its ups and downs. It was a big push to get the hotel up and running after the setbacks of the [September 2017] hurricane. We wanted to open by December 18th last year, but we had to push that date back. Looking back, it was a big task, but we were still able to open before Christmas to welcome our guests.
“We still have a long we to go. We are working towards that standard that we want to achieve. We want to build our brand and really make Malliouhana a unique Anguilla experience so that not just Malliouhana, but Anguilla at large, can claim the status of the ‘number one best destination.’
“I have been working with the company since November of last year, and I am thankful to Malliouhana as my first employer since completing my studies in the UK. I never anticipated ending up in hospitality, but the team welcomed me, embraced me with warm open arms and trained me. Working for Malliouhana is more than just a job — Malliouhana is my home, and its people have become my family.”
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
