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PM Disappointed With Hotel Closures
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PM Disappointed With Hotel Closures
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Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, has expressed disappointment with the manner in which the British-owned Rex hotels chain went about closing two of its properties – the Royal St. Lucian and the Papillon -- for the next six months.
Speaking in Miami on his way home from the recent CARICOM summit in the Bahamas, Dr. Anthony said he was aware that Rex was planning to renovate the two resorts in time for the next winter season. However, he was not told the move meant the temporary closure of the two properties.
According to Press Secretary Earl Bousquet, Dr. Anthony was informed of the temporary closure via fax while he was attending the CARICOM summit. The news came the same day employees of the two hotels were informed of the closure. Dr. Anthony said such an approach was “unacceptable”. If Rex had informed Government earlier of its plans, he said Government would have explored alternatives with management. Dr. Anthony also said Government is seeking a firm commitment that workers who have been laid off will be re-employed when the hotels reopen.
The Prime Minister welcomed Rex’s decision to keep its other St Lucian property, the Rex Saint Lucian Hotel, open. He also welcomed word that the 96 luxury suites at the Royal Saint Lucian will be refurbished during the six-month closure. He pledged that Government will do everything it can to ensure that both hotels can reopen in December. In light of a present downturn in the global economy that is affecting Caribbean tourism, Dr. Anthony said it may well be necessary for the Rex management to review their marketing strategy. He noted other local hotels were continuing to do well, despite the downturn in Caribbean tourism. |
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