A just-formed private sector organisation, called “The Anguilla Hospitality Professional Association,” has as one of its aims: “to bring together all persons who have been or are currently working directly in the hospitality industry.”
The group is still in its formative stage. This was pointed out at a press conference on Monday, March 5, by Mr. Christopher Richardson who, for the time being, is temporarily leading the Association. “As the organisation develops, a president and other officers will be made available through an election process among the members,” he explained. Mr. Richardson, who has over 30 years experience in the tourism industry, and Mr. Eustace Guishard, who also has a track record of over forty years in the industry, met with media representatives at the Anguilla Tourist Board’s conference room.
Other associate members of the organisation, pending the election process, are Mr. Albert Lake, Mr. Delroy Lake and Ms. Condon Richardson.
Speaking about the group, Mr. Richardson said: “Each of us has at least twenty-five years experience. As a matter of fact, combined, we have over 150 years of experience in the industry. I think all of us could have worked outside of Anguilla but chose to make our mark on the industry [in Anguilla]. After thirty years, I have decided to form a training company as I have observed the need for customer service and care to be taken to a higher level within the Caribbean on a whole. However, I remain committed to ensuring the sustainability of the industry.”
Mr. Richardson told media representatives that the members of the Association met with the Ministers of Government and were happy to report that the officials “are wholeheartedly in support of the initiative.” He explained that the organisation was built on four main pillars. Broadly, they are:
• Productivity in the workplace and putting measures in place for properties to operate efficiently and effectively.
• Staff representation with regard to conditions of employment including enactment of the new Labour Code.
• Ensuring the ‘Anguillianness’ in the industry remains relevant; and
• Assisting Government in the vetting process of persons wishing to work in the industry.
Mr. Guishard named a number of experienced Anguillian hospitality workers whom he indicated were being sidelined at some properties, and he questioned the apparent overlooking of the understudy programme. Among other matters, he noted that for a number of years Cap Juluca was managed by a local team [under his leadership], score high ratings and attracted up to 90 percent occupancy.
“We were successful because of the ‘Anguillianness’ of our personality and the spirit of Anguilla we infused in the operation of the resort,” he claimed. “The same was done in those properties that came before us (which he named). Anguillians from all walks of life contributed to the ‘Anguillianness’ of the industry and that’s why we were successful, and the best, and why our visitors loved us.” He questioned whether there was now “an attempt to remove the ‘Anguillianness’ out of the resorts” and said that this was now one of the concerns at some properties.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister and Minister of Tourism, Mr. Victor Banks, has given the Government’s support to the Anguilla Hospitality and Professional Association.
Mr. Banks commented: “I think the Anguilla Hospitality Professional Association is a very welcome addition to the interest groups which operate on the island. Their role is to ensure that their ideas and involvement are secured in a way that they have a voice in the Government of Anguilla. We always welcome associations that bring groups of people together with common interests so that when the Government addresses certain issues, there are voices that represent those interest groups.
“It is a welcome development. We invested a lot into tourism and we hope that our tourism professionals will benefit from that investment. If there are issues that are occurring within the industry, where professionals feel to speak out against, this is the organ through which they can come to the Government.”
