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Little Dix Bay workers disgruntled over retirement issues

- Management mum!
According to several workers who spoke directly with Virgin Islands News Online during a visit to Virgin Gorda, yesterday January 10, 2013, there are many persons who are employed at the Little Dix Bay Resort who will be going home with an empty pocket when they would have retired. Photo: VINO
Labour Officer Mr Cromwell Vanterpool said the issue of retirement benefits was not officially brought to the department by any employee of Little Dix Bay. “Because we have no official complaint we cannot comment or even investigate.” He did acknowledged hearing a “whisper” but insisted that unless there is something official brought to Labour’s attention they cannot and will not be compelled to act. Photo: VINO
Labour Officer Mr Cromwell Vanterpool said the issue of retirement benefits was not officially brought to the department by any employee of Little Dix Bay. “Because we have no official complaint we cannot comment or even investigate.” He did acknowledged hearing a “whisper” but insisted that unless there is something official brought to Labour’s attention they cannot and will not be compelled to act. Photo: VINO
All is not well at one of nature's little secrets- Rosewood Little Dix Bay Hotel and Resort- as workers are peeved over retirement benefits reportedly being denied to them. Photo: VINO/File
All is not well at one of nature's little secrets- Rosewood Little Dix Bay Hotel and Resort- as workers are peeved over retirement benefits reportedly being denied to them. Photo: VINO/File
LITTLE DIX BAY, Virgin Gorda, VI - A large number of workers of Rosewood Little Dix Bay Resort walked out of two recent meetings called by their senior Manager as very unhappy employees when they were told of new arrangements, which reportedly would see them not going home with nothing but pension after they would have retired from the company.

Some workers described the issue of their retirement as a “big ugly snake” that has been awakened. According to several workers who spoke directly with Virgin Islands News Online during a visit to Virgin Gorda, yesterday January 10, 2013, there are many persons who are employed at the Little Dix Bay Resort who will be going home with an empty pocket when they would have retired.

On Wednesday 09, 2013, the management of the resort held two general staff meetings where several issues were discussed by workers, who became very uncomfortable when they were reportedly informed that starting from the end of January, persons retiring will not be receiving any retirement benefits. However, they would be allowed to work beyond the regular retirement age of 65 year old.  They said that under a different management a policy was reportedly put in place that fixed the age of retirement at 65 years of age.

Noting that they do not want to lose their jobs or be seen discussing the issue with the media, they asked that their identities be kept anonymous. One said, “Persons who have worked for over 40 plus years and there are many, would be allowed to go home on their last day of work with their pay check only. Where else in the world these kind of things happen?”

According to another employee, when the resort was sold to a new company a significant amount of the workers requested their severance pay that they understood they were entitled to from the previous owners but they were reassured that the benefits would remain the same. “It is sad how the government of the BVI allow these companies to do and tread their very own people.”

Resort Manager Dwight Sandford confirmed that there were two general staff meetings held. Acknowledging that there were some issues raised by workers, he said that the company was not prepared to go public on those issues at this time. Mr. Stanford said when they would have finalized the issues under consideration they would be prepared to go public. “Because we don’t want a situation where we have a situation where workers are disgruntled." Asked to confirm if the issue of retirement payments and pension were discussed, he said there were some changes that were discussed.

Asked about the details of those changes, Stanford said, “I cannot comment at this time.” Asked if the age of retirement has been extended beyond 65 years of age, Stanford said, “Remember we are now a new management and there are a number of things we are looking at, at this time I cannot give you any definite answer.”

Virgin Islands News Online visited the Labour Department of Virgin Gorda for their take on the issue. At the time the most senior officer that was available was Labour Officer Mr Cromwell Vanterpool, who said that the issue was not officially brought to the department by any employee. “Because we have no official complaint we cannot comment or even investigate.” He did acknowledged hearing  a “whisper” but insisted that unless there is something official brought to Labour’s attention they cannot and will not be compelled to act.

The issue was first brought to the attention of Virgin Islands News Online by a former employee of the resort and was later confirmed by several current workers. “I left the establishment and relocated for the purposes of continuing my educational aspirations. Upon leaving I was told by the Director of Human Resources that because I resigned I would not be entitled for any present benefits because of my age but, however, upon reaching 65 I would be receiving my pension benefits for the years I put into the company. Now I am hearing a totally different story,” he said.

He recalled that they were told at the time of the switch in ownership that they would not be laying off anyone and all their benefits would have remained the same.

“Now it appears Ms. Mars knew the ship was about to sink that's why she jump ship considering she too has already gave LDB a considerable number of years in service. It was said that retirees who are presently covered on the company health insurance will be automatically removed and as of December 2012 no retirement plan will be in place for persons retiring and workers will be allowed to work as long as they want beyond 65.”

Rosewood Little Dix Bay is said to be the single largest employer at Virgin Gorda with a staff count of some three hundred.

42 Responses to “Little Dix Bay workers disgruntled over retirement issues ”

  • Confucius (11/01/2013, 07:14) Like (24) Dislike (10) Reply
    So basically, this is all hearsay? If none of the employees have registered a complaint with Labour, why is this even an issue? Whispers are not facts.

    Somebody needs to at the very least go to Labour if they have issues and if those issues are not addressed in a timely fashion, then proceed to the Complaints Commissioner. But nothing can or will be done unless a current employee speaks up. Injustices cannot be dealt with through whispers! A complaint must be formally lodged.
    • @ Confucius (11/01/2013, 08:05) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
      Fool can you even read? you aint see the little dix bay manager confirmed the meeting and changes?
      • Confucius (11/01/2013, 13:07) Like (7) Dislike (8) Reply
        Name calling is so base.

        Yes, I can read. I can also tell you from experience that nothing will get done UNLESS A FORMAL COMPLAINT IS LODGED!

        It is foolish to think otherwise!
        • uk visitor (11/01/2013, 21:06) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
          Hope these workers do not let down the guest now that they are disgruntled
        • USA student (12/01/2013, 15:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Typical con, displaying his ignorance for all to see.
    • mary j (11/01/2013, 08:29) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Absolutely amazing.
      I only hope the workers get justice.

  • zip it (11/01/2013, 07:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    AWOW WELL SAH
  • x ray (11/01/2013, 08:13) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    This has been the plan all along. It is just so sad how some wirkers and elected people suffer from some serious delusionary illnesses.

  • bay yute (11/01/2013, 08:21) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    Why, oh why, do people moan about things they inflict on themselves...

  • this is crazy (11/01/2013, 08:25) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
    PEOPLE WAKE UP! IT'S STILL DAYS OF SLAVERY AT LDB! BVIslanders, GO OUT THERE AND HELP YOURSELVES LEGITIMATELY! BE IT A BUSINESS OR THE LIKE!
  • x worker (11/01/2013, 08:26) Like (24) Dislike (20) Reply
    Hello, let’s get this straight about Little Dix Bay actions. Firstly even if they report it to labor not a damm ting will be done as so many other things were reported there over the years with the same results...Taking the side of LDB!!
  • staff (11/01/2013, 09:18) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    We are Doomed.
  • Former Employee (11/01/2013, 09:33) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is no surprise to me actually it was expected.During the early
    days Little Dix Bay paid consultants was the elected representative
    of the 9th District, There was ever justice for the people. Do you forget
    the pesion money that was left by Mr. Rockefeller that got lost. It goes
    back to what King Solomon says regarding people and wisdom.
  • mother hen (11/01/2013, 09:37) Like (9) Dislike (6) Reply
    Good, allyuh take that half ah ayo who could vote went wid the NDP now dem aint no help to allyuh..BAM
  • polo (11/01/2013, 09:48) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Not surprised at all this has been going on for years
    • Virgin Son (11/01/2013, 13:10) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      they can say this was the onset of the global financial crisis...lol
  • nan (11/01/2013, 09:51) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Labour ain't looking out for the local you all don't see that we need to stop voting because nobody looking out for us they getting pay under the table they all wicked they getting a big salary and they don't care a DAAAAM
  • right (11/01/2013, 11:14) Like (5) Dislike (6) Reply
    You all need to stop shopping at the people hotel.
    • barry say (11/01/2013, 13:07) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      the bvi need unions
      • small head (11/01/2013, 13:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        There are junior and middle management staff employed there who are not "customer friendly". May need to look there too.
      • MEME (11/01/2013, 17:53) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        You mean union jack?
        • one eye roster (12/01/2013, 08:47) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          Employees at Little DIx Bay Hotel should not be acting like this is the first time they have been left in the cold by the bosses.
  • Wicked (11/01/2013, 13:15) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Someone need to check the workers at American to see what they are doing for them
  • Village Girl (11/01/2013, 14:04) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    It does not matter who run things the bottom line is no one too look out for the workers.
  • long time now (11/01/2013, 16:28) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    nothing new here this is how that hotel have dealth with their employees for years
  • MEME (11/01/2013, 17:40) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    After the sale or transfer of ownership of the hotel, the workers are always assured by management that everything will remain the same and once again we see that is is a lie from the PIT of hell.They are always changing things to the deathrement of the workers. It doesn't take long to recorgnise the chances and the bunch of lies. The Hotel's ALTITUDE will be determine by it's ATTITUDE. Remember one of Rosewood Little Dix Bay Responsibility is "DO THE RIGHT THING" For God's sake ,do the right thing.
  • Virgin Gordian (11/01/2013, 19:02) Like (3) Dislike (11) Reply
    Just imagine Ralph was their consultant and the peoples representative at the same time
    and they vote for him over and over. Unbeleivable to say the lease. This confired that something
    is wrong with them Virgin People head. Seems like too little oxygen in them brains lol
  • Storian (11/01/2013, 22:02) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Little known v.I. Facts. I)VG pays more in power than rest o VI
    Ii)Boat loads. Of Tolans come to music City to work daily
    Iii)VG has more hotel rooms than rest of VI yada yada
    Get my point meh son?
    U tink Hugebert can a new Country called VG?
    U tink VG should fire uncle?
    Uh wunder. Hmmm
  • pat (11/01/2013, 22:33) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Who cares?
  • Queen Mary (12/01/2013, 08:22) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    It's about time the workers at little dix bay hotel told the management anarchists to go straight to hell.
  • vgprincess (13/01/2013, 00:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    1964 to 2013: high time for all of the LDB employees to be compensated properly whether it is their wages on a fortnight, a monthly salary, gratuities (pooled or unpooled), bonuses, increase in pay. High time for monthly pension payments from AXA Equitable to be looked into and compare it to the Social Security Board's pension being paid to retirees. 2014 will be fifty years of LDB's existence. It is such a rich legacy - RockResorts, CSX, VMS and all the other companies who owned/operated LDB after VMS. Now it is the Rosewood/Cheng combination. High time to do what is right, fair and just. It would be great to know what type of benefits are being provided for the employees at Caneel Bay in St. John, U.S.V.I. and Jumby Bay in Antigua. High time for all hotels in the B.V.I. to do what is right, fair and just. High time.
  • shun (13/01/2013, 11:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    sn't it time for this nonsense to stop on how deeds workers are treated?
  • small man (14/01/2013, 00:12) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    VG is paradise!!! AS crooked as the Hotel owners may be and how long dem been so!!!! Fifty years of slavery, no retirement package; jus wuk til you dead and the benefits will not be changed LOL. Dem come and thief the land from the poor and simple: become millionaires and can't give as much as to buy coffee. Look out VGians another LDB in the making in Lio Tun Yab. Hope you can read code. It's a simple formula used by the Foreign Investor. Hope our Government can stem the tide, but ground sea up now so that might be tough.
  • Ah saw (14/01/2013, 17:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where is the Minister of Labor? My bad. I forgot that we will get no justice with labour matters from him because he & all the rich business owners are friends. What a sell out of a man.
  • aaa (14/01/2013, 19:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    people need to stop blaming others for their situation and fix themselves
  • Wa dat (16/01/2013, 20:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can any one remembered what happen with dakes way banson buy .them people didn't even get d money dey had wuk fa not even Labour helped dem.


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