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300 jobless when Little Dix Bay Hotel closes in May 2016

- hotel to close for 18 months for redevelopment
As if some persons living in the territory from paycheck to paycheck were not enough, some 300 employees of Rosewood Little Dix Bay Hotel and Resort on Virgin Gorda will be out of work from May 1, 2016 when the company closes for 18 months. Photo: VINO
On June 16, 2015 this news site was the first to report that more than 70 workers of Biras Creek Resort in Virgin Gorda were going to be laid off. Photo: Provided
On June 16, 2015 this news site was the first to report that more than 70 workers of Biras Creek Resort in Virgin Gorda were going to be laid off. Photo: Provided
Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith made the disclosure of the impending closure of Rosewood Little Dix Bay Hotel via a press release today, January 15, 2016. Photo: VINO
Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith made the disclosure of the impending closure of Rosewood Little Dix Bay Hotel via a press release today, January 15, 2016. Photo: VINO
Managing Director of Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Edward Linsley, said the decision to close Rosewood Little Dix Bay was not easy but it was determined that it would not have been possible to deliver the experience guests deserve during 'a renovation of this caliber.' Photo: VINO/File
Managing Director of Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Edward Linsley, said the decision to close Rosewood Little Dix Bay was not easy but it was determined that it would not have been possible to deliver the experience guests deserve during 'a renovation of this caliber.' Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola VI- As if some persons living in the territory from paycheck to paycheck were not enough, some 300 employees of Rosewood Little Dix Bay Hotel and Resort on Virgin Gorda will be out of work from May 1, 2016 when the company closes for 18 months.

In a press release from Government Information Service (GIS) issued today, January 15, 2016, Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith said he was advised yesterday by the company of a meeting today to announce the closure.

“Yesterday afternoon, Ms Jackie Brown owner’s representative of Rosewood Little Dix Bay Hotel advised me that she was calling a meeting today at 2:00 p.m. to advise the staff of Little Dix Bay Hotel that the hotel would be closing on May 1 for 18 months for a redevelopment of the property,” the press release quoted Premier Smith as saying.

It also mentioned that the Premier was in discussion with the company on the way forward since some 300 staff members as well as the entire territory would be impacted by this development.

“Little Dix Bay has been a fine partner with this Government of the Virgin Islands over the years, and I am hopeful that this relationship will continue to grow,” Premier Smith added in the press release.

'Associates' welcomed back for interviews after reopening

In a press release from Rosewood Little Dix Bay resort shortly after Premier Smith's announcement, the company dispatched an email in which it said the complete renovation to begin on May 1, 2016 will signify the most substantial beautification project since it was founded by Laurance S. Rockefeller over 50 years ago.

The refurbishment will include the complete redesign of the resort’s guestrooms and suites, its three restaurants and overall enhancements to the landscaping. It further said that upon reopening towards the end of 2017, Rosewood Little Dix Bay would welcome back its "associates" to the resort to interview for available positions.

“While the decision to close Rosewood Little Dix Bay was not easy, we determined that we would not be able to deliver the experience our guests deserve during a renovation of this caliber. Our goal is to expedite the process so that our associates and guests can return to our island paradise as quickly as possible, which will be better than ever when it reopens,” the Managing Director of Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Edward Linsley, said.

Haunting memories of Biras Creek sudden closure

The announcement of the closure of Rosewood Little Dix Bay Hotel and Resort brings back haunting memories of the sudden closure of Biras Creek on Virgin Gorda that had left some 73 employees out of work.

It was just days after the June 8, 2015 elections that the workers were given a shock when issued severance letters on June 16, 2015 that the resort was closed until further notice.

The sudden closure had sent many workers into tears and some had even blasted the National Democratic Party (NDP) of knowing about the impending closure and keeping it a secret until after the elections.

Since then Representative for the Ninth District, Dr The Honourable Hubert O'Neal claimed that some 70 workers from the closed Biras Creek Resort were placed in new jobs.

He was speaking during the Fourth Sitting of the First Session of the Third House of Assembly on Monday November 2, 2015 during the period set aside for Any Other Business.

49 Responses to “300 jobless when Little Dix Bay Hotel closes in May 2016”

  • Shrek (15/01/2016, 14:53) Like (30) Dislike (9) Reply

    Things like this is happening and people here still sponsoring people all the time we need to hire people who are here already than any new work permit ... bringing in people when them want and firing when them want. Treating own people like trash use people on the island cause can't treat them so

    • Schups (15/01/2016, 15:58) Like (26) Dislike (15) Reply
      WTF does that have to do with anything? Little Dix is a 5 Star Hotel! There is no way to undergo a major overhaul while still remaining opened. They had a choice, patch work around the property or fix it properly so people get value for their money. Of course it's hard for the people but this has nothing to do with hiring from here or outside. They are closing to renovate the property, WTF you want them to do?
    • Well Sah (16/01/2016, 11:19) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Why is Rosewood Little Dix Bay advertising for 14 new employees in local newspapers if they are planning to close in three months? Is this shortsightedness or did this whole "closing down for renovations" just happen out of the blue.
  • ss (15/01/2016, 14:59) Like (20) Dislike (17) Reply
    Ndp bad polices
    • ..... (15/01/2016, 19:02) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
      NDP bad policies is why a hotel has to close for renovations. You people really have a mental problem messon..
  • BVIslander (15/01/2016, 15:26) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
    In l962 we delivered to Little Dix teak from St. Thomas and there was nothing there as we went to the north side, not Spanish Town....left in the dark and stayed at Bellamy Cay...no cell phones, fortunately, live in babysitter for year old daughter...Long trip up...long ago.
  • wow (15/01/2016, 15:30) Like (41) Dislike (4) Reply
    this is b.s
  • Vg man (15/01/2016, 15:39) Like (14) Dislike (9) Reply
    Well sweet Jesus help us all.I heard 2016 is the year to see hell on earth,seems this is the smoke,the fire behind.
  • 7&7 (15/01/2016, 15:46) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply

    Lets see how tis plays out

  • affected (15/01/2016, 15:49) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
    LDB would welcome back its "associates" to interview for available positions ;
    WTF am I reading ? That means these people will be given serverance pay ,since they will be invited to apply for positions near the end of 2017 . . I hope that these lying Politicians will stand up for our ppl . However we don't even know if our blind rep. is aware of what's happening .Probably still on vacation ,cause they said he was "TIRED" after elections . LOL Father send help !
  • Bernie Sanders (15/01/2016, 15:55) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    I told you all a Political Revolution is coming ... No room taxes,no money spending in super markets ,people living in poverty and we giving broke a$$ airline company money...What next ,Barry say "Ya Will Hearrrr" People we need to fight for locals to stay strong in businesses because local ain't going no where and these outside companies just don't care..It's a lot more to that closing ,What about government did not help little dix to bring in their airline, stay tune melee sweet..Hubert this is your test lets see you perform..
  • weed (15/01/2016, 15:59) Like (23) Dislike (6) Reply

    You all return the ndp so eat sh*t

  • tretretrete (15/01/2016, 16:29) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
    No wonder the NDP held elections early. They knew all these things were going to happen.
  • Music (15/01/2016, 16:31) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Wonder if they have planning permission for the intended building work?
    • wake up (15/01/2016, 17:54) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      They got to have permission to announce from now. They had it all along. We get what the puppy belch out.
    • @ lodger (15/01/2016, 18:01) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      They have the cuban and doc i aint got a clue in dem pockets so they do not need...thoes laws are for you local ppl
  • Not good (15/01/2016, 16:33) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    This is very bad for Virgin Gorda, what are all these people to do with out a Job for two years. GOV needs to do something about this. What is this country coming too how would people pay for NHI, Mortgage, Rent ect.... And now they all will be coming to give sad ass speeches. Them free paper soon burn out..
  • trrefdrfds (15/01/2016, 16:33) Like (17) Dislike (6) Reply
    The more the longer you keep this gang in power the harder it becomes for black people
    • Binocs (15/01/2016, 20:34) Like (4) Dislike (11) Reply

      Comments like this only harm a situation not help. So sad the color of someone's skin has to be voiced when you know it has nothing to do with anything.
  • Hmm (15/01/2016, 16:45) Like (23) Dislike (10) Reply
    This is what we get for helping NDP get back in power. To destroy VG we did not put our XXXXX for thissss.
    • yes (16/01/2016, 10:09) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      Yes Yes...Because we voted for NDP a 50 year old Hotel is closing for renovations. If we had voted for VIP it would have stayed open....Dammn idiots.
  • cycle (15/01/2016, 16:55) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    The world is a cycle; the people vote for the party with the biggest posters now we all paying for it
  • SMH!! (15/01/2016, 17:11) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    smh!!! This is Soo sad!! Make me mad!! But guess what ya'll make sure pay the ppl them money!!!! Else!!! The BVI is in a mess!!! And the Goverment is no GOOD!!! No GOOD and no help!!!!! It's sicking!!!
  • Really??? (15/01/2016, 17:25) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why do you blame the government for a company making the decision to renovate???? Unfortunately, this is just one of the harsh reality of progress, especially, as government and private sector adopt to meet the demands of this century and beyond. This is not the government's fault people!
  • Confused? (15/01/2016, 17:26) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why would their associates have to interview again for positions after a renovation?
    • think about it (16/01/2016, 08:39) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
      In some work forces, some people lack the passion they had,the training, the zeal and luster to execute things, so while under renovations, it's not just the physical structure but on multi levels of the corporation. This happens all over the world, it's only in the BVI that it is government's fault.
  • MAUBEEE (15/01/2016, 17:33) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wa kindaaaaaaaa ......... I had to read it in the news b4 I got a formal notification ??? .... struuups !!! Last week me and someone was talking and I told them you see where Biras pull a stunt ... Watch and u gonna see LDB do some crapppp .... AND LOOK HERE !!
  • Bernie Sanders (15/01/2016, 17:37) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    NDP to not care for the middle class voters,only around election time.I'm Bernie Sanders And I Approved This MEssage...
  • BVI Citizen (15/01/2016, 17:42) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    I guess Bitter End next, well you wear what you buy...
  • Air tourist down bad (15/01/2016, 17:55) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    This season for air tourist is very bad. Started out bad and Is getting worst. So its wise to use these no making money time to renovate. The U S economy is on a down ward slide.. Hope things get better by the time they reopen...
  • just asking... (15/01/2016, 18:02) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
    Where is funny man? He fool you VG people ha ha he he
  • Lord o (15/01/2016, 18:08) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Are they going to be given 6 month pay..they have rent and loans. Lord o..God will make away. Have lots of friends working there..This is the time to renovate things ain looking good and from all the analyst on TV. It going to get worst..
  • The Nerve (15/01/2016, 18:11) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    NDP fully well know this was coming set of opressors of the people
  • we fall down and we get up (15/01/2016, 18:12) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    The BVI is a blessed place. We always get up when we get knock down and win the fight. We are not losers. Just a little set back, but we will bounce back better and stronger..
  • Trina (15/01/2016, 19:11) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Will LDB workers receive severance package, like Biras employees did?
  • S. R. (15/01/2016, 19:18) Like (25) Dislike (1) Reply
    the bomb shell will be when the Government start laying off civil servants
  • Drawing board (15/01/2016, 19:30) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    How the NHI plan to cover these people insurance? That is why NDP should have gone back to the drawing board.
  • sad day (15/01/2016, 22:12) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    The time has come for us to stop foreign investors from destroying our communities in the name of renovations. The basic problem for many years is that we give them the authority to destroy us because no one will stand up for us. The corporate sector is not humane. Can we go into their home countries and issue the same treatment to their people ? I think not. They get rich from our labor and we remain poor. Sad, sad, sad.
    • pete (18/01/2016, 01:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I so agree. These people are looking to make money without considering cultural threads and local history. LDB is important to the BVI identity because Laurence Rockafeller thought it was important enough to build a fairly sophisticated resort out of nothing. The architecture is very unique and unusual. Why make it like every place else? we are already beginning to look like miami or St Marteen or even San Juan. But would you tear down old san Juan?? NO!
  • VG Resident (15/01/2016, 22:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sure hope Rosewood will support the staff financially. You cannot expect staff to stand still while they spend big bucks to re-do the resort. If they are spending big bucks they can afford to support the staff.
    VG residents need to get good ferry service to STT. Gov,t needs to step in and help to re-do the ferry service.
    Speedy does a good job to STT but the other ferry services need to improve their service.
  • Guest (16/01/2016, 07:02) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    What are you people worrying about? They can ALL work at the new Pier Park...
  • Out of work (16/01/2016, 07:50) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    So all 3 companies doing the renovations are foreign? Sure they will hire a sub contractor to carry their garbage!
    That should give the government some leverage!
  • Not Dilusional (16/01/2016, 08:50) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    "The time has come to stop foreign investors"?!?! Are you that stupid?? While most nations on earth recognize the plain economic benefit from foreign funds flowing in to boost their economy, you hope that this stops?? And then what? Like it or not, BVI doesn't have the homegrown skills to run its own tourism industry, or any industry for that matter. You want all the foreign money to dry up so you can shrivel up and die? This country imports more than it exports. Without this foreign investment you wouldn't be able to import all your food and tvs and cars and cellphones. You are ignorant and deluded if you think you can survive without foreigners. You need them more than they need you. Deal with it.
  • hock on Jesus (16/01/2016, 10:40) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    While people about talking nonesense it have a set of people worried about their living situation with being job less yes they will give them pay for the years they work but how long will that last because if you're not working no money coming in but it keep going out so eventually it will finish. It's only who feels it knows it but to the staff of little dix bay hold strong and always remember man is not your source. Your helper your provider your source is king Jesus our everlasting portion. the word of God says that you must lift up your eyes onto to hill from whence cometh your help for your help comes from the Lord who made the heavens and thee earth . For me I'm still searching for a job since biras close it doors. It's not easy but God is in control .it has been about eight months since biras creek closed but as I said God is in control. So people of little dix bay get hock up on Jesus for he is your source. Blessings on you all .
  • pete (18/01/2016, 01:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is time to have a historical commission review renovations and architectural designs to have developments become more sensitive to the heritage of the BVI. There is no mechanism to protect anything!!


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