Viceroy Anguilla closed out what has been described as a successful 2011-2012 season, on Tuesday this week, with an afternoon of partying and fun activities involving its 400-odd colleagues – the name it gives its staff.
They all gathered at the resort’s Bamboo Bar and Grill, on the eastern end of the property, which, amidst a cluster of high-end villas, and tropical landscaping, provides a panoramic view of MeadsBay.
General Manager, Jeff David, spoke to The Anguillian some distance from the main area of the social gathering, but with the sounds of merriment filling the air.
“How was the outgoing season?” he was asked.
“Oh, it’s been great!” he replied. “We tried hard, and we are playing hard now, but we are trying not to rest on our laurels. We thank God for everything that He has given us at this property, notwithstanding the hardships and ups and downs we have gone through. Every year it gets better and better in terms of morale, teamwork, camaraderie and profit, so it’s been great.”
The hotel has closed its operations for just over four weeks with October 5 as the reopening date. Asked what upgrading work was likely to be undertaken during the temporary period of closure, he replied:
“After a busy season, we have to maintain a lot of furniture – but one of our biggest projects we are doing right now is expanding the spa by five more rooms. So we are doing a lot of renovations there and in the public areas as well.”
Mr. David was asked to comment on some aspects of the way forward for Viceroy. “Oh, the future looks great,” he stated. “We are starting to prepare next year’s budget, but obviously, the bar gets raised year after year and we did a big swing from two years to now.”
The Viceroy General Manager is pleased that the resort is contributing much to the employment of Anguillians. “In season, the number of staff is about 600, but right now we are closing with a little of over 400 for the off-season.”
Back at the Bamboo Bar and Grill, it was a beehive of activity with an abundance of food, drink and games. Many of the colleagues participated in bingo and domino competitions for which prizes were provided by a number of suppliers doing business with Viceroy.
One of the most exciting activities was an obstacle running race through the acreage of the property. The participants included many of the colleagues and the General Manager. The winners were Peron Supersaud and Travis Simpson.
In additionto the Bamboo Bar and Grill, many persons found shelter from the sweltering heat under nearby palm trees or under the sea-side grape trees where other social activities were held. The fun-filled events began at 12 noon and continued until well into the afternoon.
