The Resorts & Residences by CuisinArt is thrilled to announce its latest local hires, James Rochester, who has been appointed Assistant Director of Security, Vanroy (Van) Hodge, who has been appointed Assistant Director of Engineering, and Natasha Richardson, who has been appointed Front of House Manager. James, Van and Natasha join the team at an exciting time as the property begins a new chapter and prepares to unveil enhancements later this year that will elevate the resort to deliver the premier experience in the Caribbean.
Supporting the local community continues to be a priority for ownership and is an integral element of what makes the onsite experience so special. James, Van and Natasha are the latest Anguillan’s to join the expanding team, which the resort will continue to build on with a job fair this June. The fair will provide the unique opportunity for the next generation of hospitality leaders in the Anguillan community to immerse themselves in the creation of an exciting, game-changing luxury travel experience. Highly motivated, excited and hard-working talent from within the community are invited to meet the team and explore a range of opportunities in an environment that was built for individuals to achieve their best. Since the acquisition, the property has brought on over 30 new hires from the local community, while also transitioning nearly 40 other Anguillan’s jobs from temporary to permanent roles at the resort.
Throughout his career, James Rochester has held highly respected positions within the Anguilla Public Service and hospitality industry. He launched his professional career as a Police Officer at the Royal Anguilla Police Force (RAPF), eventually becoming Sargent. After his 11 year tenure at RAPF, he worked in the medical field as an Emergency Medical Technician with the Health Authority of Anguilla for seven years. James has additionally worked with the Immigration Taskforce within the Government of Anguilla Immigration Department, and held the position of Security Manager at Viceroy Anguilla which then transitioned into Four Seasons Resorts and Residences Anguilla, where he oversaw the security team.
Van Hodge is originally from Anguilla. In his role as Assistant Director of Engineering, Van will help develop & enhance the physical features, processes & sustainability of the Resorts & Residences by CuisinArt, ensuring a seamless experience for visitors. Van has a diverse background that includes various leadership & engineering roles in the public & private sector in Anguilla and the United States. Van’s extensive experiences includes leading the housing aspect of the recovery operations for the Fluor Corporation in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, which housed over 50,000 families. Most recently, Van was the Engineering & Property Operations Manager at Malliouhana Resort & Spa.
Natasha Richardson has been immersed in the Hospitality industry from an early age as the daughter of Lavon and Dahlia Richardson who both worked in the industry her entire life. As a teenager Natasha debated whether the career path of law or hospitality would better suit her, ultimately deciding upon hospitality. Natasha completed her Bachelor’s Degree at Monroe college in New Rochelle, New York and then went on to get her Masters. Her career in Hospitality launched at the Radisson Hotel in downtown New Rochelle, New York, where she began as an intern and worked her way through several departments. Natasha relocated to Anguilla in 2016 and worked for the Anguilla Tourist Board for a year as the Destination Experience Manager during their transitioning period. This role gave Natasha great exposure to the behind the scenes workings of Tourism. Passionate about being at the pulse of the hospitality industry and enjoying direct contact with guests, Natasha eventually moved on from this role. Natasha has since worked as the Resort Assistant Manager at Four Seasons Resort Anguilla and most recently at Zemi Beach House Hotel and Spa as the Rooms Division Manager. She is very excited to come onboard as the new Front of House Manager at the Resorts & Residences by CuisinArt.
Commenting on the three appointments, Managing Director for the Resorts & Residences by CuisinArt, Mr. Simon A. Fricker said: “We are thrilled to welcome James, Vanroy and Natasha to our expanding team. It is the people who bring the property to life and we remain committed to hiring from within the local community. I am excited to meet many more Anguillan residents at our job fair in June. The future for the property is very bright and it is incredibly rewarding to build on our talented team, who will play a crucial role in this exciting new chapter.”
