The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THOUSANDS of unemployed hotel workers in Grand Bahama are facing financial hardship while the two major resorts in Lucaya are under repair for extensive hurricane damage.

Despite a projected re-opening on November 7, the Grand Lucayan Resort, operated by the Hutchison Group, will remain closed for at least six months. Some 1,200 workers and management staff are out of work, and many have turned to their union for help.

Michelle Dorsette, president of the Commonwealth Workers Union of Hotel and Allied Workers, said the group has been assisting members, and are closely monitoring renovations.

She said people have received assistance with their rent, mortgages, grocery costs and other necessities.

“Hurricane Matthew has left trails of devastation on Grand Bahama, and our members at the Grand Lucayan and workers at Memories Resorts have been severely impacted,” she said.

The Memories Resort, operated by Sunwing, employs a staff of about 800. The hotel has published on its website plans to reopen on December 16.

Ms Dorsette said workers are facing challenges and the union is supporting its members who are facing hardship. “Hurricane Matthew has proved a devastating blow for our members. The resorts were severely damaged resulting in temporary unemployment for our workers. We have heard from a significant number of members and we continue to render some level of support and assistance on a case by case system.”

Despite limited resources, Mrs Dorsette said that the union must and will continue to help members.

“While the law dictates that union members continue to have fees deducted, we are looking beyond legalities; we are loaded with a spirit of love and looking to go above and beyond to help our members in some way,” she stated.

She has invited members to come into the union’s office and report their individual challenges.

She is also appealing to clearing banks, and companies such as Cable Bahamas, Grand Bahama Power Company, and other entities to exercise compassion and discretion in decision making regarding its members.

Ms Dorsette said the union is able to assist through the establishment of a hardship initiative that was instituted before her tenure as president to help its members during difficult times such as these.

She and her team are optimistic about the reopening of the properties, and are also “truly sensitive to the harsh realities faced by members.”

Ms Dorsette has served as president of the union since 2009, and was re-elected in 2013. She has been involved in high-level talks with government and union leaders about further relief and support for union members in Grand Bahama.