The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

EXECUTIVES at the One and Only Ocean Club, Paradise Island, yesterday informed all 29 staff members of its Courtyard Terrace restaurant that their services were no longer required as the resort prepares for a multi-million dollar renovation this summer.

Director of Labour, Robert Farquharson, confirmed that 14 of 29 employees were made redundant effective immediately, while the remaining 15 received notices that their employment will come to an end between now and June 21.

Mr Farquharson said that he anticipates that once renovations at the Paradise Island property are complete and the restaurant is re-opened, the hotel would execute the “recall provision” negotiated in its collective bargaining agreement.

In April, officials from the One & Only Ocean Club confirmed that the hotel was at the centre of media reports that claimed a Paradise Island resort had intentions to lay-off workers. Responding to those claims, the hotel’s general manager, John Conway, promised that “any changes will be minimal”.

Mr Conway told The Tribune at the time that the resort, as a part of its planned “significant renovation” to facilities in June, would result in the laying off of ten employees. He said the resort was still “finalising plans” and meeting with both “key government officials” and the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU) on the matter.

He suggested that those affected by the lay-offs would be “eligible for rehire” should suitable positions become available.

Mr Conway confirmed then that the Hartford Wing would undergo renovation work in early June and that the Courtyard Terrace restaurant would close.

BHCAWU Secretary General Darren Woods told The Tribune last month that the union would not passively accept the Paradise Island resort’s “wish list” to lay off ten employees this summer.

When contacted by The Tribune yesterday Mr Woods said he had heard “claims” of the lay-offs, but had not received any confirmation.

The One & Only Ocean Club was purchased last year by billionaire Len Blavatnik’s conglomerate, Access Industries.