A multi-agency select committee has been set up to assist employees of Rosewood Little Dix Bay following the hotel’s pending renovations and interim closure on May 1.

Junior Minister for Tourism, Honourable Archibald Christian is leading the committee which is charged with mobilising a mitigation strategy to assist the workers. The committee will also assess the economic impact of the development on the Territory and the means of mitigating the impact, along with facilitating the transition of any of the workers to other employment opportunities.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE had announced during the Sixth Sitting of the First Session of the Third House of Assembly on January 25, that a working group would be set up and chaired by Honourable Christian. The group would report directly to the Honourable Premier.

The committee will monitor the construction phase of the project including applications, coordination and employment/labour placements to ensure that the Virgin Gorda community benefits from the development, and the resort reopens in a timely manner. It will also provide Cabinet with recommendations and incentives to ease the financial burden on affected workers.

Honourable Christian stated, “The Government of the Virgin Islands, given the impact of the closure on the affected employees, their families, businesses and the entire Virgin Gorda community, has pledged to lead all efforts to navigate and mitigate the impact of this significant development. This select committee was therefore established to provide technical guidance and support, along with policy direction as needed.

As part of the mitigation strategy, a Help Desk will be established to provide personal assistance to all affected employees. The desk will be facilitated by Human Resource Specialist, Mr. Albert Wheatley who will serve in the capacity as liaison between the workers and the Government.

The help desk will be located on the second floor of the Flax Building adjacent to the Environmental Health Department. It will open on Wednesday, February 3, and initially, it will be operated three days weekly from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Mr. Wheatley said this week it will open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, then commencing on the week of February 8, it will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Mr. Wheatley added, “The desk will be responsible for coordinating opportunities that arise for new employment, as well as handle other queries and concerns. This will also be done in conjunction with the Labour Department.

Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda announced on Friday, January 15, that it would begin a complete resort renovation, marking the most extensive renovation and beautification project in its more than 52-year history. The hotel will be closed for approximately 18 months.

The Government of the Virgin Islands remains committed to assisting employees with their transition into other employment opportunities. The Government continues to be heartened that some members of the BVI business community and other tourism industry partners have already reached out to assist with providing new opportunities for the affected employees.  The rest of the BVI business community is encouraged to do the same.