St Kitts and Nevis: Government says almost all Park Hyatt employees are locals

Last updated: 21 November 2017, 11:49 am

The government in St Kitts and Nevis has said that 94% of those employed at a new luxury hotel in Banana Bay are local residents.

Prime Minister Timothy Harris said figure is “a clear indication of the deserving confidence that has been placed in the ability of our people to excel and to reach their God-given potential.”

The Park Hyatt St Kitts Christophe Harbour was opened earlier this month amid much fanfare. It is the Park Hyatt property to open in the region.

Former Prime Minister Denzil Douglas – who now leads the opposition St Kitts-Nevis Labour Party said that the agreement he signed with Park Hyatt in 2012 “gave a commitment that the local workforce had the capacity to learn very quickly and apply themselves and be successful in one of the world’s best known luxury hotel brand around the world.”

‘Opportunities for the federation’

The prime minister said yesterday that his government remains committed to ensuring that locals are empowered, but added that they themselves must make that extra effort to market their products and grab at the opportunities available.

“We will hope that our farmers, fishers and those involved in arts and in the production of things will find at the Park Hyatt a good place with which to do business,” Harris said.

Mohammed Asaria, vice chairman of hotel developers Range Developments, said that it was always part of the resort’s plan to work alongside locals.

“I think that is an incredible result and it hasn’t happened by accident… and it’s not just the employees, the staff which make the hotel, it’s the rest of the opportunities which this hotel provides to the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis.”