St Lucia resort staff enjoy summer work scheme

For most hotels in St Lucia, the summer months mean cutting man hours and placing staff on rotation in the face of lower occupancy. But the story could not be more different at the five star Discovery resort in Marigot Bay. Instead of sending staff home during the slow season, Discovery at Marigot Bay has given its workforce the opportunity to increase their hours by participating in pre-season enhancement works on the property.

So far some 50 staff members have benefited from the scheme which has seen everyone from waiters and cooks to security officers and housekeepers involved in painting rooms and varnishing woodwork.

“We could have opted to use contractors to do the work but we decided to give our own staff the opportunity instead,” said Discovery manager, Carl Beviere. “By getting our own people involved in painting and varnishing we have been able to provide them with year round employment and to keep them on the payroll even through this traditionally slow time for the island.”

The creative work initiative has proved extremely popular with staff who might otherwise have been seeing a reduction in hours and as a result, a cut in pay.

Mr Beviere added: “It has been really successful and our staff are very happy that they’re working. It’s been a win-win situation for everyone and team members are gaining a real sense of ownership in the property and have a personal stake in seeing the improvements completed to a very high standard.”

Enhancement works will be continuing into November and it is likely that Discovery will undertake similar work schemes in the future.

Discovery at Marigot Bay blends into its beautiful surroundings enhancing the natural loveliness of the bay described as “the most beautiful in the Caribbean” by novelist James A Michener. Opened November 30, 2006, the luxury Discovery resort provides guests with every possible modern facility. The 57 suites (half with private plunge pools) and 35 rooms feature spacious verandahs affording stunning views of the bay below.

The interiors are a stylish combination of contemporary chic, state of the art fittings and Caribbean pizzazz. The world class Lapli Spa, fitness centre, watersports, marina, shopping, bars and restaurants make Discovery at Marigot Bay the ultimate holiday experience. Discovery is a member of Leading Small Hotels of the World.

For more information, log on to Marigotbay.com.