from left: Resort Operations Vice-President Johan Halvarsson; Human Resource Manager Patricia Glasgow-Vlaun; Maho Group Culinary Director Gerard Van Helvoort; Minister Emil Lee; and Human Resource Administration Assistants Judencia Moses and Katherine Moreno.
PHILIPSBURG–The reopening of Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino is “great news” for the economy, Minister of Health, Labour and Social Affairs VSA Emil Lee said.
Lee attended Maho’s job fair at the Belair Community Centre on Friday, March 8. The resort will be re-opening in phases and is eager to recruit local talent for various departments. Lee spoke with the resort recruitment team and applicants at the fair, and said he was pleased to see some graduates of the Ministry’s skills training programme in attendance.
“The resort is looking for people to start immediately; there is an urgent need. This is great news for our economy – it is a good sign the recovery process is working. We recognise that there is still so much to do, but we can also recognise the positive, such as this,” Lee said.
Post-Hurricane Irma, the Ministry facilitated the Emergency Income and Skills Training programme, which offers unemployed and underemployed persons an opportunity to learn new skills or enhance their skills. The programme offers participants a stipend and medical insurance. One of the programmes offered is focused on hospitality training.
Post-Irma, Maho employees who worked reduced hours were able to participate in the hospitality trainings to improve their service skills. Maho representatives told Lee the feedback received from guests of the resort has been “tremendous.” Guests have said the service of the staff has been “really outstanding.”
“This is a win-win-win. As government, we have managed to provide support post-Irma to unemployed and underemployed, the skills and service levels have improved and we are seeing a hospitality product returning that is offering this great service,” Lee said.
The resort is still looking for people interested in working in the hospitality sector and will be hosting another recruitment drive. Lee encourages job-seekers to be sure to attend and have their résumés ready. “This is an opportunity for full employment,” he said.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/86057-lee-says-maho-reopening-great-news-for-economy
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