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Little Dix Bay staff say management refusing to meet them

- alleges 'shoddy' treatment
As the recent announcement of closure by Rosewood Little Dix Bay from May 1, 2016 for repairs sinks in, tensions seem to be running high among local employees who now accuse management of not giving them a hearing as they seek further clarity on their employment status. Photo: Provided
This news site has been flooded with calls from workers and various levels who complained bitterly about several issues including the lack of answers to questions posed by staff to the management. Photo: Provided
This news site has been flooded with calls from workers and various levels who complained bitterly about several issues including the lack of answers to questions posed by staff to the management. Photo: Provided
The letter that staff recently received. Photo: Team of Reporters
The letter that staff recently received. Photo: Team of Reporters
LITTLE DIX BAY, Virgin Gorda, VI – As the recent announcement of closure by Rosewood Little Dix Bay from May 1, 2016 for repairs sinks in, tensions seem to be running high among local employees who now accuse management of not giving them a hearing as they seek further clarity on their employment status.

This news site understands that tension among employees is mounting rapidly at Rosewood Little Dix Bay as staff members are complaining bitterly about the alleged shoddy treatment they are receiving from management as the clock ticks on the eminent closure of the resort for a year and a half.

This news site has received many calls from workers at various levels who complained bitterly about several issues, including the lack of answers to questions posed by staff to the management. "They say they have an open door policy but that's all a lie. We (staff) have been trying extremely hard to get answers to certain questions and it's impossible because HR is refusing to meet with us," alleged one irate employee.

Staff recently received a follow up letter to the termination letter they would have received around January 14, 2016. This new letter detailed how it was they were going to get their monies owed to them.

Who gets to stay?

Another issue raised by the staff has to do with who gets to stay and who has to go. "They are closing and saying we all have to go but yet everyday they are hiring more and more whites and we are hearing that these new whites and some others are staying on," one employee told this news site.

According to our inside reliable sources, since announcing that the resort is "sacking" it's over 300 employees it recently hired a number of Caucasians.

"We know for sure that they have made a decision to keep all those new hires," the employees alleged. They also presented names of the recently hired expat staff.

According to the staff, they are now being treated "like slaves" having no voice and being treated "like hogs" by a new senior staff who happens to be white. “He is not nice at all. He pushes us around, shouts at you like a pig, he is the most unfriendly insensitive person ever and then wants us to give guests the best service. How can the guests be happy when the staff is not?" asked one perplexed staff.

This news site made contact with Human Resources Manager of Rosewood Little Dix Bay Chantel Taylor and put the allegations of the staff to her.

She said she was not aware of any difficulties staff members were having trying to arrange a meeting with management. “I am not aware of that being the case because I know staff have been meeting with the HR Director,” she said.

She promised to have the Human Resources Director of the resort make contact with this news site but up to post time there was no word from that person.

67 Responses to “ Little Dix Bay staff say management refusing to meet them”

  • VG (19/02/2016, 08:38) Like (23) Dislike (2) Reply
    Oh boy and on top of that Labour and the NDP fast asleep...
    • upset (19/02/2016, 09:18) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
      If they are closing for remodeling how they are hiring and where is the labor department and where is the minister for labor my god why the minister do not come to the rescue of these workers. I am sorry to say that is what you get when you vote for people who protect the rich and have no regards for the workers, people in VG more shocking news for you all is in the making so fasten you all seat and this is no gossip . PEOPLE of the BVI wake up things might look good on the out side but we tax payers is going to pay a heavy price while the rich get richer the poor get poorer and the //// get richer also they are setting them selves up .
      • Mick Mars (19/02/2016, 11:24) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
        when the government stop representing the people things like that happens
        • 1 (20/02/2016, 00:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          the bvi is already running "Chacka chacka". I think the English term you looking for is incompetent...
  • wize up (19/02/2016, 08:59) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    when some us of blog we are labeled as racist....
    • @ wize up (20/02/2016, 22:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Without racial integration,a race relation act or some form of sedition or uprising by combined mixture of the two main races of our citizens the pattern of our politics and racial equality will remain with us for decades to come
  • wow (19/02/2016, 09:03) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    the government knew way ahead of time and for political purposes choose to sit on the information instead of sharing it with the people, shameful
    • wize up (19/02/2016, 09:54) Like (8) Dislike (8) Reply
      @ SMH: prove it !!! the workers knew as well: can government prevent a private business from closing.... government needs to start taking some form of security deposit from these businesses; that deposit will be used to cover any payment due to the local workers in the event the company closes...
      • wow (19/02/2016, 11:25) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
        stop being a partisan fool, i am not saying they could've stopped it but would it have hurt to tell the workers earlier so they would have more time to find another job in this terrible economy
        • @SMH (19/02/2016, 12:01) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
          How much time would you consider would have. Been fair?
          • wow (19/02/2016, 15:29) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
            its not about the time its about telling the people as soon as you know the information which they clearly didn't do
        • &&&&&& (19/02/2016, 19:39) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
          They better be glad they were not given a days notice or all doors were on lockdown when they showed up for work.
      • See (19/02/2016, 21:28) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        That's all you all does come with "prove it" when you all full we'll know how impossible. What about you all proving it not so since you all have all the information. Sha man.
  • Len (19/02/2016, 09:08) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    This is again where this administration is failing BVIslanders. If the case is true, there is no way that Labour Department should approve those work permits in such instance..its just not logical. Then again, i'm not surprised.

    I know that you can't tell an employer who to hired, but when an outside company operates in a foreign jurisdiction I believe that local employees takes precedence.
  • *Hmm (19/02/2016, 09:12) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Here's where Smithy boy should show how much of a man or "leader" (I use that term lightly) he really is. Then again that's me & my wishful thinking. More likely than not those ppl voted for him & his posse yet the question is what are they doing to help these persons who now out of a job....SMH
    • @*Hmm (19/02/2016, 14:48) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      You have a lot of catching up to do. Evidently, you have been positioned without any brain activity for the previous month. Careful! You could be flushed with the flik if a wrist . Brown and questionable matters are disposable.
  • Queen Mary (19/02/2016, 10:08) Like (17) Dislike (14) Reply
    First of all,are the allegations completely true?
    These complainers and their sense of entitlement were empowered when all hell broke loose because they were given 4 months in advance notice of their termination and Gov then stepped in with a big stiick.
    They and future employees looking like them would be on my " sh . t" list too," if I was their employer.
    Who wants to be globally portrayed as a villain after half a century of giving fair employment treatment,giving,fair and advanced notice and a proper pac.kage for termination?
  • Action speaks louder than words.. (19/02/2016, 10:28) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Now we see what that jingle really meant. They refuse to speak to us and through their actions we are left grumbling.
    NDP radio has disappeared.
  • lmao (19/02/2016, 10:30) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    One thing, The National Enquirer have nothing in VINO. SMH.
  • bvi (19/02/2016, 10:31) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    WE ALL REGRET VOTING FOR THE NDP
    • 20/20 (19/02/2016, 15:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Well Ralph was old and never did. The grass always greener on the other side eh!
  • we need results Mr. Minister. (19/02/2016, 12:57) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a serious issues lives and lively hood at stake here. This issue and discussion should be address and led by the Premier or the labour Minister. This Labour Minister is a man I like and respect. I think he is the worst thus far. No results. None. 0...in agriculture or labour. Sad. So sad. Round pegs in square holes.
  • Bushmaster (19/02/2016, 13:43) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Captain of the ship is sleeping. Call back later please
  • We need Little Dix (19/02/2016, 13:54) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    Little dix bay hotel was a good, honourable and loyal employer for over 50 yrs. 4 months notice is enough if you ask me. Now its the government job to engage little dix. Find out workers future with the company.. See that fairness and justice is done for all. Both parties.
    • NICK (19/02/2016, 15:34) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      That is all government could do. They cannot stop a business from closing unless they are willing to subsidise where necessary, and we would have a problem with that. I cannot find out why it is so bad for little dix to give 4 four months notice to its employees. What does the labour code state? A lit of employment contracts indicate that either party shall give one month's notice. Have any employees left little dix before, and how much notice did they give? Now, if little dix is still getting work permits approved, unless it is for special skilled onstruction workers, that would be an injustice and Government would need a good lashing. How the hell you closing your establishment and employing people. That sould like some type of contradiction to me.
  • fred (19/02/2016, 15:33) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    These employees seem racist, they should be let go
  • Eejj (19/02/2016, 17:38) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    What goes around come around all of you vote for ndp gov .tax taking back all our money because every thing over spend no one looking out for black people shame on ndp
  • someone near (19/02/2016, 18:31) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    this wouldn't be happening if Rosewood was still owned by the Rockefellers. Some of these newer people taking
    over management or even ownership of established respectable businesses are indeed scum. This is just like
    that over-protected garbage can that is BEING ALLOWED to have shut down Biras. I met the people working at
    Rosewood and have all the respect for them. Something has to happen - all of this is too damn much!
    • @someone near (20/02/2016, 20:47) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      Hey,you know what,s owned by the Rockefeller...The ZIKA Virus. Lock stock and barrel this man-made Virus was patented by the Rockerfellow Foundation in 1947. Google if you are in doubt.
      What else,? Who knows.
  • Well (19/02/2016, 19:33) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    If this is true working under hostile environment is not good. Looking for a job these days is like looking for a needle in a haystack fifty feet tall. It hurts when you put your all in all in a job and you get let go. The rich always feeds off the poor.





  • The Prophet (19/02/2016, 19:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I just had a vision. I saw a new Little Dix Bay coming down from a cloudless sky but this was in 2019. Could it be that the Hotel will be closed until then? Only the Government Ministers can answer that. Brace yourself.
  • Sadness (19/02/2016, 21:39) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    OK I understand that the hotel needs fixing. But what I don't understand is why are all the local managers have to go and those on work permit are staying
  • wize up (20/02/2016, 01:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    here is where a good workers union would have help the people in their fight rights: where is Donald when one you needs him
  • sorry (20/02/2016, 04:45) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sorry to say this but, no one is getting hired back. They may as well start looking for new employment.
  • Truth be told. (20/02/2016, 07:39) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    The problem is that the guests feeling comfortable dealing with their own now. The old time Black workers use to be nice, helpful and with good attitudes. These crop of young black will kill any business with their Bad attitude, greed, lies no work passion...... An investor will not let his business go under because labour say hire locals. Employers need good workers.
    • Agree (20/02/2016, 15:22) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      I have to agree with you. People pay big money to stay at Little Dix Bay and they expect the best service. The older workers did a great job with pride, can't say so for the younger workers.
  • question (20/02/2016, 08:06) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    I have to ask? who approve the work permits for the butlers hired from Antigua? Was that position offered internally? was it advertised loacally? Is there is no persons in the BVI qualidfied to be a butler? Who makes these decisions and how can these things be right. These is a time when the employyes are huting and the more they look, the more they see they are been degraded and made to look like their contribution don't matter. Why would labor approve something like this! Where has this position been advertised?
  • It's for sale (20/02/2016, 08:23) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    There is someone from another VG resort saying actually LD is for sale. They are closing for improvement as it cheaper than closing for new owners. However not sure why people trying to get hold of HR.they said you are done in May. They won't be keeping anyone on.
  • legal counsel (20/02/2016, 09:12) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    My one suggestion, is why does the Government allow so many ex pats to hold such key position within an establishment? At least, have a mix of local/ex pat so there is a balance. If you have to, at least assign them with a local person to have the ability to grow and one day hold the position.
    LDB never had an ex pat hold the HR position before.
    You have to realize that these people know and care very little about the history, culture and people of the BVI.
    All they do is come here, live scot free, like an all paid inclusive vacation, have no bills so they lined their pockets, until it is their time to go. For them, it is a win-win situation. More must be done, better rules in place to curtail such.
    • Amaze (20/02/2016, 10:28) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Are you saying that the Gov can tell LDB or any private industry who to hire in a given position? Really?
      • . (22/02/2016, 01:44) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        Yes. Don't be so daft. It is called a work PERMIT, not a work ENTITLEMENT. Let someone from another country go to your country and try work without government permission. See what they get.

        Damn racists thinks BVIslanders were born yesterday.
        • goway (22/02/2016, 12:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          You are blinded by anger or perhaps ignorance thererfor unable to address the question. A typical BVI character flaw.
    • Hmm (21/02/2016, 12:39) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      And all there money going to overseas bank
  • To each its own (20/02/2016, 09:25) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    I know that it is a difficult time for everyone, people are scared and hopeless, having not dealt with something of this magnitude before, Vg is tourism based and small.
    I want to say that the current MD, has shown amazing support and humility. This is what is needed now. A listening ear, great suggestions, a shoulder to sometimes cry on. We are all in this together. The community will suffer, the VI will suffer, the restaurants will suffer, the charter planes/boats will suffer. I am sure, being GM, it is a difficult position to be in, but the important thing is that you show that you understand and that you care enough. There is a saying" people may forget what you said but they will remember what you did"
    We will all learn from this from all angles, yes, some has been comfortable with their jobs, comfortable with having no change in a long time, but change we must accept, embrace and grow with.
  • harsh (20/02/2016, 10:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Harsh but true. They hire from outside and it costs them more but they are in business to sell a good product.
  • Well (20/02/2016, 10:56) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    why people still going to HR, there has been no HR department since after the two locals ladies gone. This place is HoRRor department. strupes
    • past employee (21/02/2016, 19:28) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      The blind leading the blind and the dumb trying to teach.
  • trrefdrfds (20/02/2016, 22:41) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    "A bad manager can take a good staff and destroy it, causing the best employees to flee and the remainder to lose all motivation" quote by G. Dineen
  • I work here too (21/02/2016, 08:37) Like (11) Dislike (12) Reply
    This is my two cents. I'm a worker from "down island" & I'm thankful that I was given the opportunity to work in this country . I'm leaving after the closing of R L DB & I hope I'll be one to return one day , but I must say the staff at this establishment are too ungrateful . Breakfast lunch & dinner are served daily & even on people's day off they show up to eat .The staff steal so much I'm surprise the company is not bankrupted. People want position & are illiterate . They talking about two temporary butlers , when the staff does minimal work , , come to work filthy , dirty clothes & no offense , could hardly move . You people need to stop . This is a lesson , WAKE UP & smell the bacon instead of stealing it. Over & Out.
  • tretretrete (21/02/2016, 10:28) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
    @ I work here too! Have you ever reported what you see or were you part of the stealing gang? that is interesting.
    Another thing, any employee working at the hotel, knows that the food served in the cafeteria, would be a hard serving for a cat, dog or even pig. Tasteless rice every day with farm grown fish, some kind of fish by the name of swai which no one knows about. The poor hard working staff, who mostly make minimum wage must eat, what else will they do? Work hungry? I am glad you are leaving, I hope you never come back! Our country does not need anyone like you! Go Lang! you brainwashed! or maybe you not a line employee or does not eat in the cafeteria.
  • Governent (21/02/2016, 10:36) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    As far as we know all employees are terminated as of May1,ALL. We have also heard that there is a list of persons that will be staying. Should that be the case, they will not be working under their normal standards. We are waiting to be provided with that list.
    Please note that a contract is not a BVI work permit. You may have a contract, however, a BVI work permit is the only thing that allows for legal work within the BVI.
    Please provide the List!
  • Jobs N Boats.com (21/02/2016, 10:56) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Hey people! I hear Cub Med is hiring. Looking for all staff but in particular, someone to lead their H R Team! No special skills needed, Just a passionate drive that says" It is all about me!
    Requirements: A controlling attitude that is able to control people. power hungry, aggressive with obvious low self esteem.
    Please send resumes with references to: info@wemaybecheapwemaynotbethestbutwecruise.com. or visit our website:www.wecheapweoldbutwecruse,com.
    Hope this is helpful
  • justice (21/02/2016, 11:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    @I work here too! We know that no decent hardworking employee write that b.s. What? Your name on the list too?
    My Grandmother always say, when you squeeze a orange, what is in, will come out, so if the pulp is rotten, then rotten pulp will come out. Is that the way you really see the employees who have made this place what it is now? Given their all, some for almost 50 yrs? You are saying that they are old and filthy? Is that why you had to bring in the temporary butlers? May the Good Lord have mercy on us All!
  • options (21/02/2016, 11:29) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    @I work here-Shame on you! The bible says, "judge not, lest you be judged" It also says, who is without fault, throw the first stone, no one could! I am sure you are one who laughs with the people who you now call thieves! Hell will not have enough fire for you! But I am sure you are already there!
  • in the news (21/02/2016, 12:19) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    People from here badminded and disrespectful to their own so just imagine for the outsiders.
  • F (21/02/2016, 22:06) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    @HMM,Swai is Vietnamese Catfish. If it is prepared correctly, it is very tasty.
  • Lesson Learned (22/02/2016, 10:50) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Often times,we are our own worse enemies. The groaning ,fibbing and ingratitude of these soon t o be thank gpne employees, is a !lesson to the other expat owned businesses For starters, go by the book, give one months notice,less if possible , All this now because you were generous and humane.
    Some folks mistake kindness for stupidity .
    • Agreed.... (22/02/2016, 15:04) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      You are so correct. Thirty days notice or less. It is just business, nothing personal, some employees can be bad for business. What some employees don't realize is someone is always watching and reporting back to the higher ups. Don't get to comfortable in any job.
  • MAUBE (22/02/2016, 14:52) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    This serves the Workers RIGHT !!!! They busy carrying on that LDB haaaaave to treat them right !!!!! Every few months a General Meeting is held and a Regional manager comes to host the meeting --- The staff ALWAYSSSSS go on with the MOST !!!!! Verbally attacking the Regional Chiefs... Its about time Rosewood showed them WHO tf is the bosssss and OWNERS !!!! Dont go begging back your Job now !!!! You are fired effective MAY --- get your hinds to go seek other employment or go back to your country !!!!! Thats why I'm ALWAYS humble on LDB time --- All I know I get my 8 hours and my cheque is substantial and i go home !!!! I have no other affairs to be arguing with LDB about. But those disgruntled workers does want to act like they are the CEO of LDB ... and literally shouting at the Rosewood Corporate about how to run the hotel .... Well look they run YALL now !!!

    Yes I work at LDB ....
    • True (23/02/2016, 11:29) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      I work for LDB also and you are correct. I also do my 8, keep my mouth shut and mind my business. I also have another job lined up. Most of the employees got just what there hands called for. They took advantage of a good thing. They are the ones that ran the hotel in the ground. Don't come in on your days off and expect to get three square meals. Don't come to work like you own the place and you are going to act like you run the show. Don't eat the food and then complain about it is tasteless. Keep your sticky fingers to yourself.
  • fedup (23/02/2016, 00:14) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    When will we as Caribbean people stop fighting each other and stop playing the race card every opportunity we get? We complain about expats like we don't have people from BVI working in other countries in high positions, or from St. Lucia working in other islands in high positions. We are all one people with a mixture of different races. I have friends who are treated differently because they are of a lighter skin color, despite one parent being black... I am sick and tired of Caribbean people fighting each other and following the US with all this talk about race when things don't go the way they think it should go... That being said, I can say for a fact that HR has been meeting with people depending on availability. Having to prepare severance letters and making sure everything is in place for over 300 employees is not an easy or quick task. They have made themselves available to employees by appointment. The resort does need ALOT of work done to it and even 18 months does not seem long enough... While it is unfortunate that all employees have been paid off, the HR department in conjunction with the government have organized job fairs to help staff find jobs. We need to stop making assumptions about what has been going on unless the facts have been made public because as someone once told me, assumptions only make an a$$ out of you and me... *drops mic*
  • thank you (23/02/2016, 14:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well said, I am also angry that people is always using the race card when things don't go there way or for ther own ignorance. Business is Business. People move on anger and playing the race card is not going to solve anything.
  • ausar (26/02/2016, 10:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    For those of you who felt that racism is dead, doesn't exist in the BVI-wake up and smell the coffee.

    The good docter stated that these rich people are his friends. How come he can't tell them off when they're wrong?
    He's been fed and watered by these people at their villa parties.
    He can't utter anything when things go wrong.

    He hasta lap his tail between his legs and shut the hell up!


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